The Pokémon Company has settled its intellectual property (IP) infringement lawsuit against Guangzhou Maichi Network Technology Co., Ltd. The dispute involved an unauthorized game titled Pocket Monster: Remake (口袋妖怪：复刻), also known as The Pocket Journey (口袋之旅).
Legal Battle and Settlement
In December 2021, The Pokémon Company filed a lawsuit in the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court. It accused Guangzhou Maichi Network Technology and its subsidiary, Khorgos Fangchi Network Technology Co., Ltd., of copying Pokémon’s trademarks, designs, and game elements. The court ruled that these actions led to unfair competition.
After a lengthy trial, the High People’s Court of Guangdong Province helped both sides reach a settlement agreement. As part of the deal, the Chinese companies issued a public apology. They admitted to violating intellectual property laws and causing financial losses to The Pokémon Company.
Court Ruling and Compensation
The court initially ordered the Chinese companies to pay 107 million yuan (about USD 14.7 million) in damages. A second trial occurred on December 18, 2023, where all parties finalized the settlement terms. However, the exact compensation amount remains undisclosed.
In their statement, the companies acknowledged their mistakes. They confirmed that the infringing game had been permanently shut down and removed from the market. They also pledged to respect Pokémon’s IP rights and avoid similar issues in the future.
The Pokémon Company’s Commitment to IP Protection
Following the settlement, The Pokémon Company reaffirmed its dedication to protecting its brand. The company stated that it will continue to take legal action against unauthorized use of its content.
Other Legal Actions by The Pokémon Company
This isn’t the only case Pokémon is pursuing. In September 2023, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Palworld developer Pocketpair in the Tokyo District Court. The companies claim that Palworld violates Pokémon’s patents. They are seeking an injunction and financial compensation for damages.
Conclusion
This settlement highlights Pokémon’s strict stance on IP protection. The company is sending a clear warning to developers worldwide. Unauthorized use of Pokémon-related content can result in serious legal consequences.
Source – The Pokemon Company
