Pokémon Company Triumphs in Legal Battle Against Imitative Mobile Game Developer

The ongoing battle between original game developers and those who imitate their creations frequently catches headlines. One such case has recently concluded with significant repercussions for a mobile game that closely mimicked a beloved franchise.

The Pokémon Company received a hefty compensation following a protracted legal conflict with the creators of the Chinese mobile game known as Pocket Monster: Remake. This game debuted in 2015 and gained considerable traction, reportedly generating around $42 million within its first year, as indicated by reports in 2022.

The application prominently featured what appeared to be unmodified artwork of Pikachu from the cover of Pokémon Yellow, serving as its app icon. Additionally, the branding of the game showcased characters resembling Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, Tepig, and Oshawott, retaining their original designs. Gameplay footage available online reveals an array of characters and Pokémon that seem to replicate elements from the established Pokémon series.

The dispute escalated in 2021 when The Pokémon Company filed a lawsuit. By September 2024, the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court decided in favor of The Pokémon Company, consequently awarding approximately $15 million in damages. However, both entities contested the ruling, culminating in a recent settlement announcement.

According to reports, The Pokémon Company also released a public apology from Guangzhou Maichi Network Technology Co., Ltd., the developer behind Pocket Monster: Remake. This letter was distributed widely across prominent social networking sites. In the assertion, the organization acknowledges its unauthorized use of Pokémon characters, pledges to refrain from similar actions in the future, and confirms the complete shutdown of Pocket Monster: Remake.

While The Pokémon Company has achieved a favorable outcome in this particular case, it continues to navigate a legal battle with another developer, Pocketpair, the creator of Palworld. This rivalry pertains to allegations of patent infringement, with Pocketpair determined to contest the accusations in Japanese courts.