Pokémon, Palworld, and Patent Overreach: Lessons for Game Developers

By Katelyn Kohler For decades, game developers could rely on broad patent protection for gameplay mechanics, but that era may be ending.[1] The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is actively scrutinizing video game systems, with the Director personally intervening to challenge specific gameplay in the Pokémon series.[2] Nintendo Co., Ltd., The Pokémon Company, and indie developer Pocketpair now find themselves at the center of a global dispute that is shining a light on video game pat