Pokémon Company Issues Official Response to Palworld Controversy: Legal Threats and a Pledge to Protect Pokémon Intellectual Property

The release of the viral survival game sensation, Palworld, has sparked a heated debate on social media. Many are questioning whether it is a fair parody of Pokémon or an act of plagiarism, possibly incorporating AI-generated creatures known as fakémon. Despite various opinions, The Pokémon Company has now broken its silence and addressed the issue on its official corporate website in both Japanese and English.

In a comprehensive statement, The Pokémon Company acknowledges the inquiries about a game released by another company in January 2024, clearly referring to Palworld. The company states that it has not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game. They express their intention to thoroughly investigate and take appropriate measures against any acts that infringe on their intellectual property rights related to Pokémon. The statement concludes with a commitment to cherish and nurture each Pokémon and its world, emphasizing their ongoing dedication to uniting people through the Pokémon universe. The tone of the statement has been noted for its juxtaposition between a legal threat and a paternal promise, with The Pokémon Company asserting their readiness to address potential infringements while expressing a commitment to the Pokémon world. While the outcome of this situation remains uncertain, it is noteworthy that the former head of The Pokémon Company's legal team has already expressed surprise at how far the situation has escalated. He characterized Palworld as seeming like a typical ripoff, drawing from his experience dealing with similar cases during his tenure as the chief legal officer of Pokémon. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether The Pokémon Company's statement will lead to significant actions against Palworld.