On May 8, 2025, Pocketpair issued a statement regarding the ongoing lawsuit from Nintendo and The Pokemon Company concerning their game, 'Palworld.' The company revealed that it is implementing several specification changes as a preventive measure to ensure the continued distribution of the game amidst the legal proceedings.
The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, alleges that 'Palworld,' which was released on January 19, 2024, infringes on multiple patents held by the plaintiffs. Nintendo and The Pokemon Company are seeking an injunction against the game as well as financial damages amounting to 5 million yen plus delay damages from each company.
Pocketpair maintains that it does not infringe on any of the patents claimed by Nintendo and The Pokemon Company. In their recent statement, they emphasized, "We are confident that 'Palworld' does not infringe on any of the patents currently being asserted, and we are taking continuous measures." Additionally, they assert that the patents in question are invalid.
To mitigate the impact of the lawsuit and to clarify that 'Palworld' does not infringe on any patents, Pocketpair has made specific changes to the game. For instance, in patch v0.3.11, released on November 30, 2024, the function allowing players to "throw Pal Spheres to summon Pals" was removed. Instead, players can now summon Pals directly next to them.
Furthermore, in the latest patch, v0.5.5, also released on May 8, 2025, the method for gliding with glider Pals has been altered. Players will now use a glider item instead of the Pal itself to glide. This change is designed to minimize the impact on gameplay while ensuring compliance with the ongoing legal dispute.
Pocketpair has expressed that these decisions, while difficult, are necessary to protect the future of 'Palworld.' They stated, "This change is a painful decision for us, but we have determined that it is necessary to ensure that 'Palworld' does not infringe on any patents." They have committed to not reverting these changes until it is clearly recognized that the previous specifications do not infringe on any patents.
Despite the legal challenges, 'Palworld' has seen considerable success, with the total number of players exceeding 3.2 million. The game is designed as a monster-breeding open-world survival craft experience, allowing up to 32 players to capture, train, battle, and collaborate with various creatures known as Pals.
The ongoing lawsuit has raised questions about the future of 'Palworld,' but Pocketpair is taking steps to ensure that the game remains available to its growing player base. As they navigate the complexities of the legal landscape, the company is focused on continuing to develop and distribute 'Palworld' while addressing the claims made by Nintendo and The Pokemon Company.
In summary, Pocketpair's proactive approach to modifying 'Palworld' in response to the lawsuit reflects its commitment to maintaining the game's integrity and availability. The gaming community will be watching closely as the legal proceedings unfold and as Pocketpair continues to adapt to the challenges posed by the lawsuit.
