Nintendo and The Pokémon Company Want to Stop the Sale of Palworld | Push Square
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are seeking an injunction which will block the sale of Palworld, it’s been revealed.
Earlier this year, just days prior to the indie game’s PS5 release, the Mario maker filed a patent lawsuit against developer Pocketpair – and now we have more details about what it entails.
As expected, the Japanese patents the developer is accused of infringing upon revolve around gameplay mechanics, like catching Pokémon in a virtual field and riding on top of them. Both of these systems are present in Palworld, as you use Pal Spheres to nab monsters in the open world, which can then be used as mounts.
That's despite the lack of a PS5 port
Interestingly, as far as we can tell, all three patents were registered after the game’s original 19th January, 2024 release date. However, they do pertain to a pre-established patent filed in 2021.
Nevertheless, both Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are seeking an injunction to stop sales of the game, and ¥5 million (~$33,000) compensation apiece.
Pocketpair, to its credit, says it’ll fight the lawsuit: “We will continue to assert our position in this case through future legal proceedings.”
Sony, of course, will have a vested interest in the outcome, as it recently signed a partnership with the developer to establish a separate entity named Palworld Entertainment, tasked with growing the brand through merchandise, anime, and various other media tie-ins.
As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.
This has peaked my interest in Palworld. Depends on how MIRACULOUS the PS5 Pro boost is...
Patenting game mechanics should be illegal.
I myself haven't played Palworld but I've heard good things about it, but this lawsuit is stupid,
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