Developer puzzled by Nintendo’s lawsuit over Pokémon-like game Palworld

Pocketpair has issued a response to the lawsuit filed against it by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The studio behind the development of Palworld released a statement this morning indicating its lack of knowledge regarding the specific patents alleged to be infringed upon. "At this moment, we are unaware of the specific patents we are accused of infringing upon, and we have not been notified of such details," the statement read.

Nintendo’s press release suggested that the legal action pertains to alleged infringements on multiple, as yet undisclosed, patents. The details of these patents have not been publicly disclosed. Pocketpair reiterated in its statement that it has not been made aware of the specific patents involved in the accusation.

Although similarities between characters in Palworld, such as lamballs, and those in the Pokémon franchise, like wooloos, might raise questions, the lawsuit is not explicitly based on these likenesses. Nintendo is known for its aggressive protection of its brand. Following the release of Palworld, The Pokémon Company (TPC) previously ordered the removal of a video featuring a mod of Palworld that replaced all the game’s creatures with Pokémon. TPC also issued a statement acknowledging Palworld—without naming it directly—and indicated plans to investigate the game to address any potential infringements on intellectual property rights pertaining to Pokémon. It appears the investigation may have led to the current lawsuit.

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