Pokémon addressed inquiries and concerns regarding the the use of its intellectual property and assets in a statement today. Read on to know more.
Pokémon Investigates Copyright Infringement Claims
"Appropriate Measures" To Be Taken If Infringement is Established
In a statement titled "Inquiries Regarding Other Companies’ Games," Pokémon clarified that they did not grant any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in a particular game. The Pokemon Company expressed its commitment to investigating the matter thoroughly and taking appropriate measures to address any potential infringement on Pokémon's intellectual property rights. While the name of the game was never mentioned outright, it's clear from context that they were referring to the overnight viral success, Palworld, which features catchable monsters with very familiar design cues.
The company wrote on its website, "We have received many inquiries regarding another company’s game released in January 2024. We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game. We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon. We will continue to cherish and nurture each and every Pokémon and its world, and work to bring the world together through Pokémon in the future."
Instances where Nintendo took action against copyright infringement include a YouTuber facing a DMCA takedown. YouTube content creator ToastedShoes shared a Palworld mod on their channel featuring designs resembling Pokémon protagonist Ash and various Pokémon creatures, including Pikachu. Reports of alleged Pokémon franchise plagiarism in the game circulated the previous days.
We previously covered this topic in an article that delves into the similarities and differences of specific Pals' (the name for Palworld monsters) to specific Pokémon. You can read it at the link below.
Source:
Pokémon official statement
