“Nintendo Suit May Have Major Impact On Video Game Patents”

Marshall Gerstein patent attorney Charles Morris published an article in Law360 that evaluates a current patent infringement case in Japan’s Tokyo District Court involving video game developers Palworld, Pokémon, and Nintendo. The case could have a significant impact on the video gaming world.

“A ruling against Pockpair (the developer behind Palworld) might spark an increase in patenting of game mechanics, potentially influencing the future of creativity in gaming – whether by encouraging innovation or posing new challenges,” Charles explained in the article, which is available here.

Charles describes why Nintendo and Pokémon have some control over monster-catching features and why Pocketpair is being targeted.

The case is a reminder of protecting even components of innovations: “Companies should consider the value of protecting their game mechanic intellectual property. Indeed, with every patent comes a chance at innovation – and as such, the future of gaming may become much more interesting.”