Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have officially filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair, the developer behind the popular game Palworld. The lawsuit, submitted in a Tokyo court, accuses Pocketpair of patent infringement, claiming that Palworld infringes on intellectual property rights related to Pokémon. Palworld, released in Early Access on January 18, quickly gained massive popularity, selling 15 million copies on Steam and attracting over 25 million players within its first month.
Fans and critics have frequently compared Palworld to Pokémon due to its use of cute, monster-like characters that resemble the well-known creatures in Pokémon games. However, Palworld adds a twist by incorporating guns and allowing players to use the creatures, known as “Pals,” in combat. This combination of light-hearted character design with more mature, darker gameplay has caused some controversy.
The investigation and lawsuit
Shortly after the release of Palworld, The Pokémon Company hinted at potential legal action, stating that it would “take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to Pokémon.” It seems their investigation has now concluded, as the lawsuit has officially been filed.
According to Nintendo, the legal action seeks “an injunction against infringement and compensation for damages.” The company argues that Palworld's design and gameplay violate multiple patents held by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
Nintendo's decision to pursue legal action marks a significant development in the ongoing debate around intellectual property in video games. While it's common for games to inspire one another, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are determined to protect their iconic Pokémon brand.
Pocketpair's response and future
Despite the lawsuit, Pocketpair has defended Palworld in the past. The game's developer, Takuro Mizobe, stated that Palworld went through legal reviews and passed without issues. He also insists that the game is more akin to titles like Ark: Survival Evolved and Valheim than Pokémon, offering players a different experience.
Mizobe has previously argued that while Palworld's Pals may resemble creatures from Pokémon, the game's tone and mechanics are much darker and more varied. In Palworld, players can befriend and protect their Pals or use them more sinisterly. The game allows players to kill and eat Pals, force them to fight each other, or even sell them into slavery. This grim feature has set Palworld apart from the more family-friendly atmosphere of Pokémon games.
While Pocketpair continues to stand by its game, the future of Palworld could be uncertain if the courts rule in Nintendo's favour. Legal experts suggest that, if successful, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company may receive compensation and could also demand that Palworld be pulled from the market or significantly altered to avoid further infringement.
At the time of writing, Pocketpair has not indicated whether they plan to fight or attempt to settle the lawsuit. However, given Palworld's popularity, any resolution will likely impact the game's future and player base significantly.
This legal battle will undoubtedly be one to watch. It raises questions about creativity and intellectual property in the gaming industry, where the lines between inspiration and infringement can sometimes blur.
