Full Breakdown
USPTO Rejects Nintendo's Summon Character Patent Amid Ongoing Legal Battle with Pocketpair
4/3/2026, 1:01:11 AM
Patent Rejection Overview
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a non-final rejection of Nintendo's patent concerning the summoning of sub-characters to assist in battles, a mechanic central to many Pokémon games. This decision, announced in October 2025, was based on prior art references, including published U.S. patent applications from Nintendo, Konami, and Bandai Namco. Nintendo has two months to respond to the rejection, with the possibility of an appeal extending this timeline.
Background of the Patent and Legal Disputes
Nintendo initially submitted the summoning patent in March 2023, receiving approval in September 2025. However, following criticism from intellectual property (IP) experts regarding the patent's validity, the USPTO ordered a reexamination. The patent's rejection has significant implications for Nintendo's ongoing litigation against Pocketpair, the developer of Palworld, a game that has drawn comparisons to Pokémon due to its similar mechanics.
In September 2024, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair in the Tokyo District Court, alleging infringement of multiple patent rights related to monster capture and release, as well as riding mechanics. The lawsuit seeks an injunction against Palworld and compensation for damages, amounting to approximately 5 million yen (around $32,846) for each patent claim.
Pocketpair's Response and Game Modifications
In response to the lawsuit, Pocketpair has made several modifications to Palworld, including removing the ability to summon characters using Pokéball-like Pal Spheres. The company has publicly acknowledged the legal proceedings and stated its intention to dispute the patent claims, asserting the invalidity of the patents in question. Pocketpair's CEO, Takuro Mizobe, noted that the game's successful launch in early 2024 led to significant profits, prompting the company to explore new business opportunities, including a partnership with Sony to expand the Palworld IP.
Criticism and Industry Reactions
The patent's rejection has been met with mixed reactions. IP experts had previously criticized the awarding of the patent to Nintendo, arguing that the mechanics in question are common across various games, including titles like Persona and Digimon. Critics have pointed out that the patent system should not grant exclusive rights to concepts that are widely utilized in the gaming industry.
Conflicting Reports and Future Implications
As the legal battle continues, the implications of the USPTO's rejection on the lawsuit remain uncertain. Nintendo's decision to pursue patent claims rather than copyright infringement has raised questions about the broader impact on the gaming industry and the enforcement of intellectual property rights. The Tokyo District Court's presiding judge, Motoyuki Nakashima, will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this case.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Nintendo will continue to take necessary actions against any infringement of its intellectual property rights, including the Nintendo brand itself, to protect the intellectual properties it has worked hard to establish over the years.” — Nintendo Spokesperson
- “We continue to dispute these claims and assert the invalidity of the patents in question.” — Pocketpair Statement
- “something that no one even considered.” — John “Bucky” Buckley, Pocketpair Communications Director
As both parties prepare for the next steps in this complex legal landscape, the outcome could set significant precedents for future patent disputes in the gaming industry.
