Key Metrics
12.53
Heat Index-
Impact LevelMedium
-
Scope LevelNational
-
Last Update2025-09-11
Key Impacts
Positive Impacts (3)
Negative Impacts (3)
Event Overview
A patent granted to Nintendo and The Pokémon Company restricts the use of a gameplay mechanic involving in-game character summoning. This could lead to copyright infringement claims, potentially stifling creativity and innovation within the gaming industry.
Collect Records
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company Secure Patent for Summoning Subcharacters in Games
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have been granted a patent (No. 12,403,397) by the USPTO on September 2, 2025, for a gameplay mechanic that allows an in-game character to summon a subcharacter for support in battle. The patent application was filed in March 2023. This patent could potentially restrict other games from using similar mechanics, leading to copyright infringement claims and stifling creativity and innovation in the gaming industry. Additionally, Nintendo received another related patent (No. 12,409,387). The companies are suing Palworld developer Pocketpair for alleged patent infringement related to gameplay mechanics, including character collection and riding. In May, Pocketpair modified certain mechanics in Palworld, such as changing the method of summoning Pals from throwing Pal Spheres to a static summon, to avoid further disruptions to the game's development. These changes were made after a lawsuit, and while Nintendo was not explicitly mentioned, Pocketpair acknowledged making 'compromises.'