Nintendo's Palworld lawsuit hits a major roadblock after patent rejection in Japan

Nintendo‘s legal battle against Palworld developer Pocketpair has hit another hurdle. The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has officially rejected patent application 2024-031879, saying the claimed gameplay mechanics lack an inventive step because similar ideas already existed in older games.

The rejected filing is part of the same patent family connected to Nintendo’s ongoing lawsuit against Pocketpair, making the decision particularly noteworthy.

JPO points to older games as prior art

According to the JPO, mechanics covered by the application were already seen in titles including ARK, Monster Hunter 4, Craftopia, Kantai Collection, and even Pokémon GO. Those earlier examples led the office to conclude the application did not meet the required inventive standard.

The rejected application sits between two granted patents Nintendo is currently asserting against Pocketpair in the Tokyo District Court. While it isn’t one of the patents being litigated, its close relationship could become relevant as the lawsuit progresses.

The lawsuit isn’t over yet, though

The JPO’s decision does not end Nintendo’s case against Pocketpair. Nintendo can still amend the application or appeal the rejection through Japan’s patent process. Meanwhile, the Tokyo District Court lawsuit continues independently.

Pocketpair has also been challenging Nintendo’s patents by presenting prior art while removing some disputed gameplay mechanics from Palworld through updates. For now, the ruling represents another twist in one of gaming’s most closely watched patent disputes, but the final outcome remains far from settled.