Nintendo and The Pokémon Company said in a statement posted on their websites that Palworld “infringes multiple patents.”, external.
“This lawsuit seeks an injunction and damages for the infringement.”
Palworld became a huge hit, gaining over 25 million players within a month of its launch.
Like the popular Pokémon video game franchise, the game centers around collecting strange creatures with different powers.
Pocketpair’s website describes the game as seamlessly integrating “elements of combat, monster catching, training, and base building.”
Players, known as “Friend Trainers,” travel across a vast map, fighting humanoid enemies and creatures called “Friends” that can be captured and recruited.
Monsters can fight alongside players in battle, or be placed in bases to craft supplies and items that can be used in the field.
In January, The Pokémon Company said it planned to investigate claims that Palworld had plagiarized its games after fans pointed out similarities.
The Pokémon Company said at the time that it would take “appropriate action” if it determined that its copyrights had been infringed.
Pocketpair said: Response to the lawsuit, external Starting Thursday, we will begin taking action and investigating the claims made by The Pokémon Company.
However, the company added that it was “not aware” of any specific patents it was accused of infringing.
“We have not been notified of those details,” he said.
The company said it was “really unfortunate” that it had to devote time and resources to developing the game instead of spending time on litigation, emphasizing its status as a small indie developer.
“However, we will do our best for our fans and make sure that indie game developers are not hindered or discouraged from pursuing their creative ideas,” he said.
