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Nintendo and Pokémon sue Palworld developer for patent infringement, demanding $65,700

The game developer Pocketpair Inc. is sued by Nintendo Co. and The Pokémon Company, presumably for patent infringement through the game Palworld. Compensation in the amount of ¥10 million, or $65,700, is claimed by both plaintiffs against the game developer. Both claim ¥5 million compensation for violating three patents.

The lawsuit centers on Palworld, the gaming title from Pocketpair, an apparently popular game of capturing and fighting creatures in the manner of Pokémon. Nintendo and Pokémon claim that it is a game infringing multiple patents concerning catching, riding on Pokémon, and as creatures battle against one another. Patents related to the concepts were filed between February and July this year, five months after Palworld had entered early access back on January 19.

Pocketpair confirmed the claims and released the patents at issue in the case, patent numbers 7545191, 7493117, and 7528390, for all to review. Though all these patents were submitted and issued long after Palworld was released, so questions of timing arise again.

Nintendo and Pokémon claim an injunction against Palworld, preventing the game from being sold and distributed. Pocketpair is also summoned to pay ¥5 million ($32,846) for a lawsuit against them with extra penalties for lateness. The amount will be more than ¥10 million ($65,700) if Pocketpair loses the case at the county court.

The Pocketpair has reportedly stated it will continue to defend itself and assert its position in the court of law process. According to the statement, the developer would challenge allegations as it moves through the case.