The Pokémon Company secures a significant victory in its copyright infringement lawsuit against Chinese companies. A Shenzhen court awarded them $15 million in damages for the unauthorized use of Pokémon characters and gameplay mechanics in the mobile game "Pokémon Monster Reissue."
The lawsuit, filed in December 2021, highlighted the blatant copying of iconic characters like Pikachu and Ash Ketchum, along with core gameplay elements. The game's icon and promotional materials directly utilized Pokémon imagery without permission. While acknowledging the existence of other monster-catching games, The Pokémon Company successfully argued that "Pokémon Monster Reissue" crossed the line into outright plagiarism.
The initial demand for $72.5 million, which also included a public apology, was ultimately reduced. However, the $15 million judgment underscores the company's commitment to protecting its intellectual property. Three of the six defendant companies have reportedly filed appeals.
The Pokémon Company's stance on fan projects has been a subject of debate. Former Chief Legal Officer Don McGowan clarified that the company doesn't actively seek out fan projects for takedowns. Action is typically taken when projects gain significant traction, such as through crowdfunding, or attract substantial media attention.
McGowan explained that the company generally learns about fan projects through media or direct discovery. He highlighted that publicity can inadvertently bring projects to their attention. However, the company has issued takedown notices for some smaller-scale fan projects, including creation tools and games.
This legal victory reinforces The Pokémon Company's dedication to safeguarding its brand and ensuring fans can enjoy Pokémon content without infringement.
