Nintendo has recently filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair concerning the indie game Palworld, which has faced criticism for its similarities to Pokémon. However, patent expert Florian Mueller suggests that Nintendo may not have strong patents to support their claims against Pocketpair, focusing instead on software patents rather than the game’s character designs. The legal battle could take up to five years to resolve, potentially allowing Pocketpair to continue their development in the meantime.

nWhat is the lawsuit about and how could it affect Palworld?

The lawsuit involves Nintendo challenging Pocketpair over software patents rather than copyright issues related to character designs. If Nintendo loses the case, Pocketpair may continue to develop and sell Palworld, though the lawsuit could delay progress significantly.

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Palworld is an open-world game that blends elements from Pokémon, as players catch and battle fantastical creatures while also engaging in shooting mechanics. This unique gameplay style has attracted attention, particularly given its visual similarities to Pokémon, leading to the current legal situation. The game's reception has been mixed, but its premise continues to intrigue gamers looking for a twist on traditional creature-collection gameplay.