Nintendo’s extensive lawsuit against Pocketpair, the creators of Palworld, has unveiled the specific patents at issue, which are notably linked to the Pokémon franchise.
When Nintendo first announced the lawsuit, it was vague regarding the particular patents being cited, with Pocketpair claiming ignorance as well. However, there were some educated speculations suggesting the patents might relate to the mechanics of throwing a Poké Ball in a digital environment.
Pocketpair disclosed on Friday that the lawsuit centers on three patents. Two of these are specifically related to the mechanics of throwing a Poké Ball within gameplay, while the third pertains to a different functionality. These patents were originally filed in Japan but have corresponding applications in the U.S. over recent years.
In essence, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are pursuing legal action against Pocketpair due to its in-game mechanic where players throw items in a digital world directed at characters. Additionally, there’s a patent associated with how players transition from riding an object to walking on the ground. This could relate to the bikes featured in Pokémon games or possibly to riding on a Pokémon itself.
For those interested, here are summaries and links to the patents:
- Patent No. 7545191
- This patent details determining an aiming direction in a virtual space based on a secondary input and allowing a player character to shoot an item at a field character based on a third input. It delineates how the shooting mechanics are executed in accordance with the player’s operations.
- Patent No. 7493117
- This focuses on establishing a sighting direction using a secondary operation in a virtual space and specifies how the player character can release an item directed at a field character based on subsequent inputs.
- Patent No. 7528390
- This patent involves selecting a riding object, allowing the player character to ride it, and automatically transitioning the character to moving on the ground when relevant conditions are met.
Pocketpair also mentioned that the injunction requires a payment of 10 million yen, split evenly between Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. “We will continue to defend our stance in the case as it progresses,” Pocketpair asserted.
Despite the ongoing lawsuit, Palworld remains operational. It has recently launched on PlayStation 5, even in Japan, where the lawsuit was filed. Furthermore, Krafton announced plans to bring Palworld to mobile platforms as well.
