Nintendo edits key patent amid ongoing Palworld copyright lawsuit

Express Tribune

3 days ago

Nintendo has updated the language of a key patent in its ongoing lawsuit against Palworld developer Pocketpair, adding complexity to the legal dispute over alleged copyright infringement related to Pokémon.
Since September 2024, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have pursued legal action, claiming Palworld copies elements from the Pokémon franchise.
Pocketpair has consistently argued that the patents cited in the case do not apply to its game. Recently, Nintendo submitted a request to the Japan Patent Office to modify the wording in one of these patents, which has now been approved and published, according to Games Fray.
The patent in question covers 'smooth switching of riding objects,' including the transition between different rideable creatures, such as moving from flying mounts to land-based mounts within a game environment.
The updated language adds detailed technical descriptions while retaining the original core claims, creating a more complex legal document for the case.
Legal observers, including consultant Florian Mueller, commented that the choice of wording may be a deliberate attempt to broaden the patent's scope, making it more challenging for Pocketpair to argue for its invalidation in court.
This development follows ongoing efforts from both parties to secure their positions, with Nintendo aiming to substantiate claims of copyright infringement and Pocketpair seeking to dismiss the case by questioning the validity of Nintendo's patents.
As the Palworld lawsuit continues, the updated patent language may impact future proceedings, though it remains uncertain whether the changes will significantly alter the direction of the case between Nintendo and Pocketpair.