Alright, let’s dive into this mess. So, Palworld drops, everyone screams “Pokemon copy!”, even my buddy Dave won’t shut up about it. Figured I’d actually check if Nintendo slapped ’em with legal papers, ya know? Do some digging myself.
Step one: Finding the damn patents
- Went straight to the US patent office website, figured it’s the big dog. Typed in obvious stuff like “POKEMON”, “POKEBALL”, “MONSTER COLLECTING GAME”. Felt smart.
- Instant regret. Hundreds of results. Mostly for toys, board games, even some weird crap about gardening. Patent language hurts my brain – all “embodiments” and “claims”. Gave me a headache.
Step two: Trying “Pocketpair” and “Palworld”
Scrolled further down. Searched for the developer, Pocketpair. Found some stuff, but mostly for older games like Craftopia. Looked specifically for Palworld-related filings. Saw some trademark applications – gotta protect that name, makes sense. But actual core gameplay patents? Like, specific creature designs or catching mechanics? Couldn’t see any fresh ones jumping out. Weird.
Step three: The Nintendo floodgates open
Decided to search everything Nintendo filed recently. Big mistake. Huge. It was an avalanche. Pages and pages. Mostly for the Switch hardware, controllers, weird accessory ideas, online systems. Flicking through images – saw plenty of Joy-Cons.
Got desperate. Searched “Nintendo” AND “Monster”. Still mostly junk. Then it hit me like a poke to the face: Maybe Nintendo doesn’t own the idea of cute monsters in balls? Maybe they trademark specific names and designs, but not the whole concept?
Step four: Swerving into Trademark Street
The Big Realization:
Patents and trademarks ain’t the same thing! Duh. Patents are for inventions, processes. Trademarks? Names, logos, that kinda stuff. What actually protects Pikachu is likely a trademark, not a patent. So, pivoted faster than a dodgy Diablo auction.
Went hunting on the trademark database. Searched “POKEMON”. Boom. Pages of registered trademarks covering everything Pokemon-related:
- The word “POKEMON” itself.
- Every single damn character name you can think of (Pikachu, Charizard, Mewtwo…).
- Iconic symbols like the Pokeball design.
- Game titles like “Pokemon Scarlet and Violet”.
- Even names for moves and items! “Thunderbolt”, “Potion”… seriously.
Then, the kicker: Searched for stuff like “Pokeball”. Found trademarks… but get this: Also trademarks for using the word “Pokemon” on totally unrelated junk. Like:
- Pokemon wheelchairs? Huh?
- Pokemon rice cookers? Seriously?
- Pokemon freaking bath salts? Like, for your tub? Okay then.
What I didn’t find easily was Nintendo trademarking super broad things like “catching monsters with a sphere” or “monsters fighting each other”. It’s the specific look, name, and feel they lock down.
The Takeaway:
So yeah, Palworld definitely scratches that Pokemon itch. Looks familiar? Hell yeah. But digging through the legal swamp? Nintendo’s nuclear stockpile is their army of trademarks for specific names (Pikachu!), specific designs (that exact Pokeball!), and specific branding. They haven’t patented the whole damn idea of cartoon creatures in a ball. If they did, half the monster-collector games out there would be toast.
My brain’s fried. Learned way more about trademarking bath salts than I ever wanted. Moral of the story? Similar vibe? Absolutely. Blatant rip-off with the same legal names? Nah. Pocketpair walked right up to the line… but maybe just didn’t cross the specific lines Nintendo actually owns. At least, not yet.