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Pokémon Company Slams DHS for Unauthorized Video Use

9/28/2025

44 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Pokémon Company says it did not authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to use its intellectual property in a recent immigration video.
The DHS video used Pokémon imagery, drawing backlash from fans and The Pokémon Company.
Theo Von criticized DHS for using his likeness, prompting removal.
The video remains on DHS’s social media amid prior copyright complaints.

History

Historical Context

Pokémon debuted in the U.S. in 1998, following its initial release in Japan in 1996. The franchise, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, quickly gained popularity, selling over 20 million games. The Pokémon Company, established to manage the brand, has faced ongoing copyright disputes, highlighted by a recent incident involving unauthorized use of Pokémon imagery by the Department of Homeland Security.

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Story summary

The Pokémon Company says it did not authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to use its intellectual property in a recent immigration video.
The DHS video used Pokémon imagery, drawing backlash from fans and The Pokémon Company.
Theo Von criticized DHS for using his likeness, prompting removal.
The video remains on DHS’s social media amid prior copyright complaints.

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