New Nintendo patents can reshape the future of Pokemon-style gaming

Nintendo has obtained a new patent that could have a significant impact on future Pokemon-inspired games. Granted on September 2, 2025 File describes a system “Covers basic game mechanics in video games that summon characters and have them fight another character against another character”.

Patent application (By Games Fray) was filed in March 2023 and was granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office without any objection. It appears to be specifically targeting Pokemon-like games, its descriptions and accompanying artwork, but there are concerns that broad text could allow Nintendo to file lawsuits against other companies and their games if it has a vaguely similar game mechanic.

While Nintendo may not bring companies like Atlus and Square Enix to court with well-known franchises, summoning mechanisms such as Shin Megami Tensei and Final Fantasy, the existence of the patent may be discouraged given the litigation nature of Nintendo.

Palworld developer Pocketpaire has been in Nintendo's crosshairs since Nintendo sued a Japanese studio. Nintendo explained in a statement that it is seeking “an injunction against infringement and damages” on the grounds of infringement of multiple patent rights – especially patents No. 7545191,,,,, No. 7493117and No. 7528390.

Pocketpair recently made major changes to Palworld, Remove PAL spheres– Fishing items very similar to Pokeball – and the ability to glide with PAL. Talking about ongoing litigation Earlier this year, community manager John Buckley said it was a “very frustrating day” when the studio was sued.