Patent Lawyer Slams Nintendo’s Controversial Patents

Nintendo has obtained a new US patent for core Pokemon game mechanics. The patent was officially granted last week. This move strengthens Nintendo’s legal position against PocketPair’s Palworld.

The patent covers summoning creatures and controlling battles. This directly mirrors classic Pokemon gameplay. Legal experts criticize the patent as overly broad.

New Nintendo Patent Details Battle Mechanics

The United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Nintendo patent number 12,403,397. This patent protects “causing a sub-character to appear” and “controlling a battle between the sub-character and the enemy character.” These mechanics describe the fundamental Pokemon battle system.

Nintendo also secured patent 12,409,387. This patent covers player characters riding other in-game objects. Both patents potentially apply to the Palworld legal case. According to PC Gamer, these patents represent significant legal tools.

Legal Experts Criticize Patent Decision

Intellectual property lawyer Kirk Sigmon spoke to PC Gamer about the patents. He called them “an embarrassing failure of the US patent system.” Sigmon believes the USPTO failed to properly scrutinize Nintendo’s applications.

The patents could affect many game developers beyond PocketPair. Large companies with legal resources can use such patents aggressively. This creates uncertainty for smaller studios developing similar games.

Sigmon suggests the USPTO essentially gave up on proper evaluation. He states the claims were “in no way allowable” under proper patent standards. This decision externalizes litigation costs onto developers who don’t deserve it.

Broader Impact on Gaming Industry

Patent disputes over game mechanics worry the gaming industry. They can stifle creativity and innovation. Companies may hesitate to develop games with common mechanics.

Nintendo has been adjusting existing patents throughout its lawsuit. This strategy aligns with their aggressive protection of intellectual property. The Palworld case represents a significant test of these legal tactics.

The situation demonstrates how patent systems can be manipulated. Large companies can obtain broad protections that shouldn’t exist. This creates legal threats against potential competitors.

These controversial patents could reshape game development boundaries. The Nintendo Pokemon patent strategy may discourage mechanics-inspired games industry-wide. Legal experts await potential challenges to these questionable protections.

Thought you’d like to know

What specific mechanics does Nintendo’s new patent cover?

The patent protects summoning helper characters and controlling their battles. This includes the specific mechanics of creature combat systems. The protection extends to riding mechanics as well.

How could this affect other game developers?

Developers using similar creature battle systems might face legal challenges. Nintendo could potentially claim infringement across multiple games. This creates significant uncertainty in game development.

Has Nintendo used similar patent strategies before?

Yes, Nintendo has previously adjusted patents to strengthen legal arguments. The company actively protects its intellectual property through various means. This represents their ongoing strategy against perceived infringements.

Can these patents be challenged legally?

Yes, through a process called Inter Partes Review. Other companies could petition to have the patents reexamined. Success would require proving the mechanics weren’t truly innovative.

Why do experts criticize these patents?

Experts believe the USPTO failed to properly evaluate the applications. The patents describe common mechanics that shouldn’t receive protection. This represents a failure of the patent examination system.

Trusted Sources: PC Gamer, United States Patent and Trademark Office, Reuters