Nintendo sues ‘Pokémon with guns’ studio for patent abuse

Nintendo has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Tokyo-based Pocketpair, the maker of hit game Palworld, seeking an injunction and compensation for damages. The case, brought together with affiliate Pokémon Co., was submitted to the Tokyo District Court this week.

Nintendo said, without detailing the scale of relief sought. Pocketpair responded by saying it was “unaware of the specific patents we are accused of infringing” and would investigate the infringement claims. Palworld was an instant success upon its debut in January, raising the profile of its creator Pocketpair and earning the moniker “Pokémon with guns” among fans, who saw similarities between the fantastical monsters in the game and those in Nintendo’s famed franchise.



Patent protection in software typically covers elements of the user experience - rather than the look of characters - and Nintendo may have found gameplay mechanics it believes infringe on its rights..