Nintendo acquires new patent for protection against Palworld

Nintendo has secured a new patent in the United States regarding capture mechanics in a video game. The company has been targeting Pocketpair for their Pokemon-like game ‘Palworld’ which became one of the most popular video game releases in 2024 and overshadowed the original Pokemon games.

Both companies are undergoing a legal battle in Japan and an attempt to secure new patents across the US suggests Nintendo is planning to do the same overseas. However, this recent success comes on the back of 22 other rejected patents by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as reported by GamesFray.

These patents are reportedly meant to pave the way for a lawsuit against Pocketpair in the US as a similar patent was granted to Nintendo back in December 2024. The previous case led Pocketpair to change the capture mechanics in Palworld. This new patent also revolves around similar things including aiming and capturing a virtual character.

Nintendo still aiming to secure more patents in the US

Following this success, Nintendo is looking to secure even more patents, and while action against Palworld isn’t explicitly stated, one can guess where it leads. The rejected patents have come as a huge setback for what the company may be planning to do in the US, but they aren't giving up just yet.

The company recently requested an interview with USPTO which is likely to persuade the examiner to approve more patents out of the 22 rejected as previously rejected patents do not mean Nintendo can't try to get some of them passed. Or they may be ready to agree and separate the current claimable patent from the rest.

Also Read: Pocketpair Publishing wing from Palworld devs generating a lot of interest

Will Palword face legal action by Nintendo in the US?

While it does look like something Nintendo is planning to do, it is currently hard to tell. Nintendo needs to cover all bases for a lawsuit. The previous lawsuit was predicted long before it happened and is likely a statement Nintendo wants to send other developers who are thinking of making a Pokemon-like video game across any platform.