Story perspectives

USPTO Reexamines Nintendo's Pokémon Patent Amid Controversy

11/4/2025

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has initiated a reexamination of Nintendo's Patent No. 12,403,397 covering the 'summon and fight' mechanic in Pokémon games, ordered by USPTO Director John A. Squires.
The reexamination follows public backlash and cites prior patents from Konami and Nintendo as potential invalidating factors.
The reexamination could impact Nintendo's litigation against Pocketpair's Palworld, as the patent's validity is in question and Nintendo has two months to respond.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. Patent Act of 1952 established a comprehensive framework for patent law, introducing the requirement of non-obviousness and codifying existing legal principles. This act significantly influenced intellectual property rights, enabling companies like Nintendo to secure patents, such as Patent No. 12,403,397. The ongoing reexamination by the USPTO, initiated in 2023, highlights the evolving scrutiny of patent validity in the gaming industry.

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Story summary

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has initiated a reexamination of Nintendo's Patent No. 12,403,397 covering the 'summon and fight' mechanic in Pokémon games, ordered by USPTO Director John A. Squires.
The reexamination follows public backlash and cites prior patents from Konami and Nintendo as potential invalidating factors.
The reexamination could impact Nintendo's litigation against Pocketpair's Palworld, as the patent's validity is in question and Nintendo has two months to respond.

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