TOKYO, Sept 19 (Askume) – Nintendo (7974.T) and Pokemon Co said on Thursday they have filed a patent infringement lawsuit against the maker of survival adventure game “Palworld”.
The suit, filed in Tokyo District Court on Wednesday, seeks an injunction and damages on the grounds that the game made by Tokyo-based PocketPlayer Inc. infringes several patent rights.
“Palworld”, better known as “Pokemon with a Gun”, became a hit after its release in mid-January. In the game, players use guns to capture and train cute creatures called “pals”.
PocketPlayer said it received notice of the patent infringement lawsuit on Wednesday, but did not know which specific patents it was accused of infringing.
The company said in a statement that it will initiate appropriate legal action and investigation into the claims.
“This lawsuit will force us to spend a significant amount of time on matters unrelated to the game’s development, which is truly unfortunate,” the company said.
The Pokémon Company said in January that it would investigate and take action against any violations of intellectual property rights.
PocketPlayer announced in JulyIt will collaborate with Sony (6758.T) to promote Palworld’s licensing globally.
