Nintendo and the Pokémon Company have filed a patent-infringement lawsuit against Pocketpair, the developer of the survival-strategy game “Palworld,” commonly referred to as “Pokémon With Guns.” The lawsuit was lodged on September 18 in the Tokyo District Court and seeks an injunction against the alleged patent infringements, alongside compensation for damages.
Nintendo alleges that “Palworld” violates multiple patent rights. The company expressed its resolve to take necessary actions to safeguard its intellectual property, which it has cultivated over the years.
Released in January 2024, “Palworld” has quickly gained popularity. Pocketpair describes the game as featuring over 100 unique “Pals” with various skills that enhance gameplay. Players will face challenging boss Pals that can also be captured.
In response to the lawsuit, Pocketpair announced that it is initiating appropriate legal proceedings and investigating the claims. The company stated that it is currently unaware of the specific patents involved in the allegations. Pocketpair reaffirmed its commitment to creating enjoyable games for its audience, despite the time and resources that will now be diverted to address the lawsuit.
Additionally, it is noted that in July, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) and its anime subsidiary Aniplex partnered with Pocketpair to establish a joint venture, Palworld Entertainment, aimed at promoting the licensing and expansion of “Palworld.”