**Nintendo and Pokémon Company’s Lawsuit Against Palworld Developer Still Ongoing Amid Patent Disputes**
The ongoing lawsuit in Japan between Nintendo and The Pokémon Company against PocketPair, the makers of the hit game *Palworld*, continues to draw attention. As previously reported, this legal battle centers around several patents related to gameplay mechanics, with significant developments unfolding recently.
One key patent in focus is patent 2024-123560 (JP7545191), which branches off from another granted patent currently being used in court. This isn’t merely a peripheral filing; it’s situated directly between two patents central to the litigation. Such positioning means the fate of this patent could have a notable impact on the overall case.
According to reports from GamesFray, the “sibling-parent” relationship within this patent family makes the rejection of patent 2024-031879 particularly significant. The same reasoning—specifically, a lack of inventive step or obviousness based on prior art—that led to this rejection could apply equally to the related Nintendo patents involved in the lawsuit.
Windows Central highlights that the Japan Patent Office’s (JPO) logic in rejecting this specific patent can potentially undermine the two granted patents Nintendo is relying on for their infringement claims. When combined with the prior art used in the rejection, this offers PocketPair a strong defense against accusations of patent infringement and raises the possibility of invalidating Nintendo’s existing patents.
This development challenges Nintendo’s assertion that its patents protect truly original gameplay ideas. When Japan’s own patent authority contests that originality, Nintendo’s argument loses significant credibility. Furthermore, the ruling adds pressure on Nintendo’s third patent involved in the suit, which, according to earlier reports, has already undergone modifications mid-litigation—a clear sign that Nintendo may be feeling the strain.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether Nintendo will attempt to amend its patents or appeal the JPO’s decision. Given Nintendo’s determined stance throughout this lawsuit, an appeal or amendment seems likely.
However, this situation raises a broader question for Nintendo: is persisting with this legal battle truly worthwhile? *Palworld* continues to thrive, and there’s no clear evidence that the Pokémon franchise has suffered any loss of revenue or value as a result. Beyond Nintendo digging in its heels and refusing to back down, it’s unclear what tangible benefits this lawsuit is achieving.
We’ll be following this case closely as it unfolds. Stay tuned for updates on how these patent disputes influence the future of both *Palworld* and Nintendo’s legal strategy.
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/11/03/japan-patent-office-rejects-key-patent-application-in-nintendos-palworld-lawsuit/
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