Nintendo's ongoing Pokémon patent lawsuit takes another hit
Intelligence Summary
- See the latest on Nintendo's Pokémon patent fight and the new site celebrating every Pokémon.
Introduction
The world of Pokémon has recently been in the news thanks to a couple of major developments. This article looks at Nintendo and The Pokémon Company’s legal battle, as well as a new website celebrating the idea that every Pokémon is someone’s favorite.
The legal battle
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have been trying to patent certain gameplay mechanics, specifically Poké Ball-style techniques for touchscreen devices. On May 18, 2026, it was announced that the Japan Patent Office had rejected the patent application. The patent was meant to protect the use of a “touch instrument” for catching and releasing characters in a game, which is essentially the same gameplay used in Pokémon titles.
Japan Patent Office objections
The Japan Patent Office rejected the application because it did not contain an “inventive step” or add anything new to already common mechanics. That means the application was considered unfounded, marking a setback for Nintendo in its efforts to push competitors like Palworld out of the market.
Lawsuit history
The legal battle between Nintendo and Palworld developer Pocketpair began back in 2024. The company initially raised concerns about the monster designs in Palworld, which were said to resemble various Pokémon. Instead of focusing on those design claims, Nintendo moved forward with patents, though without the result it wanted.
A new website celebrates Pokémon diversity
On another front, a new website has launched called "Every Pokémon is someone’s favorite Pokémon." The site, which went live on May 17, 2026, has already received more than 55,000 submissions from players sharing their favorite Pokémon. It shows that every Pokémon, no matter how popular or obscure, has its own fanbase.
Stats and popularity
At the time of publication, there are 1,025 Pokémon in total, and the site shows that even the least popular ones, such as Arrokuda and Capsakid, have at least one admirer. Gengar is currently leading the pack with 725 declarations of love, while Pikachu surprisingly does not appear in the top 10. These stats highlight the diversity of the Pokémon community, where even the least-loved monsters still get recognition.
Timeline
2024: Nintendo sues Pocketpair over patent infringement related to Palworld.
February 2026: Nintendo revises its patent application after earlier rejections.
May 18, 2026: The Japan Patent Office rejects Nintendo and The Pokémon Company’s patent application.
May 17, 2026: The website "Every Pokémon is someone’s favorite Pokémon" launches and quickly gathers thousands of submissions.
Conclusion
Both Nintendo’s legal challenges and the rise of a platform celebrating individual preferences show just how complex and diverse the Pokémon world is. While Nintendo continues fighting to protect its position in the gaming industry, the love for Pokémon remains strong, regardless of the designs or popularity of specific creatures. It remains an interesting time for both fans and developers in this colorful, competitive arena.