Nintendo and the Pokémon Company have initiated a lawsuit against Pocketpair, the creators of the survival adventure game “Palworld,” in Tokyo on September 18. The lawsuit claims that Pocketpair has infringed on multiple patents held by Nintendo.
Nintendo released a statement on September 19 stating that the lawsuit aims to seek both an injunction against the alleged infringements and compensation for damages. “Palworld,” which launched in January 2024, has gained significant popularity, selling over 5 million copies within its first three days. The game allows players to capture creatures referred to as “pals” using firearms.
On its official website, Pocketpair highlights that “Palworld” features over 100 unique pals, each with special skills to aid players in their quests. The game also includes challenging boss pals that can be captured.
The Pokémon Company, which introduced the Pokémon franchise in Japan in 1996, emphasizes the bond between humans and Pokémon, where trainers develop friendships with their Pokémon and embark on adventures, battling in friendly competitions.
In its response to the lawsuit, Pocketpair stated that it was only informed of the legal action on September 18 and is currently unaware of the specific patents being cited. The company expressed its commitment to funding appropriate legal proceedings, noting the unfortunate distraction from game development caused by the lawsuit. Pocketpair reiterated its dedication to its fans and to supporting independent developers in their creative pursuits.
In July 2024, Pocketpair had announced a partnership with Sony to promote “Palworld” globally under a joint venture named “Palworld Entertainment.” Meanwhile, Nintendo reaffirmed its intention to protect its intellectual property, taking necessary actions against any instances of infringement.