The legal battle between Nintendo and The Pokémon Company against the developer of Palworld, Pocketpair, has recently resurfaced after a period of silence. In a new statement titled “Report on Patent Infringement Lawsuit,” Pocketpair revealed further details about the lawsuit, specifically addressing the patents Nintendo claims have been infringed.
According to the studio, the lawsuit revolves around three patents—7545191, 7493117, and 7528390—filed between February and July 2024. Despite these patents being filed after Palworld’s release, they are linked to “parent patents” from 2021, making them valid in this case.
These patents are central to the gameplay mechanics of Palworld, particularly the methods for catching creatures and interacting with them, such as throwing items (similar to Pokéballs or Pal Spheres) and riding on the creatures. These mechanics have drawn comparisons to Pokémon games, fueling the dispute. Back in September, analysts had speculated that these patents could be the foundation of Nintendo’s lawsuit, and Pocketpair’s recent disclosure has confirmed that those assumptions were accurate.
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are seeking an injunction against Palworld and are demanding compensation for damages incurred since the registration of the patents until the filing of the lawsuit. According to Pocketpair’s statement, this compensation amounts to five million yen (approximately £25,000 or $33,000) to both Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, with additional “late payment damages” for each party. This financial claim is part of the ongoing legal process, which Pocketpair plans to challenge in court.
Pocketpair has firmly stated its intention to continue defending itself in this legal dispute. The studio emphasized that it will pursue its position through future legal proceedings, signaling a commitment to resisting the claims and seeking a favorable outcome in court. This marks a significant point in the ongoing clash, as the game’s developer prepares for the next steps in the case.
Additionally, the lawsuit’s impact on Palworld’s availability was evident in September, when the game’s launch on PlayStation 5 was halted in certain countries for an unspecified reason. While the exact cause was not confirmed, it is likely that the ongoing lawsuit with Nintendo played a significant role in the decision to pause the release. This legal action continues to cast a shadow over Palworld’s future, particularly regarding its global distribution and the broader implications for the game’s development.
