Chinese Pokémon Clone Ruined by Copyright Infringement

The Pokémon Company secures a significant victory in its copyright infringement lawsuit against Chinese companies. A Shenzhen court awarded the company $15 million in damages, concluding a legal battle that began in December 2021. The lawsuit targeted a mobile RPG, "Pokémon Monster Reissue," for its blatant copying of Pokémon characters, creatures, and gameplay mechanics.

The game, launched in 2015, featured strikingly similar characters to Pikachu and Ash Ketchum, mirroring the core turn-based battling and creature collection aspects of the Pokémon franchise. The court deemed this beyond mere inspiration, citing the game's icon (using Pikachu artwork from Pokémon Yellow), advertisements featuring recognizable characters (Ash, Pikachu, Oshawott, Tepig), and gameplay footage showcasing characters like Rosa and Charmander as clear evidence of plagiarism.

Initially, The Pokémon Company sought $72.5 million in damages, a public apology, and a complete halt to the game's development and promotion. While the final judgment was lower, the $15 million award serves as a strong deterrent against future copyright infringement. Three of the six sued companies reportedly plan to appeal.

The Pokémon Company affirmed its commitment to protecting its intellectual property, ensuring global fans can enjoy Pokémon content without disruption. This stance, however, has drawn past criticism regarding the company's handling of fan projects.

Former Chief Legal Officer Don McGowan clarified the company's approach, stating that takedown notices are typically issued only after fan projects gain significant traction, such as through funding campaigns. He emphasized that the company prefers not to pursue legal action against fans unless necessary. However, the company has been known to issue takedown notices for projects with less significant reach, including fan-made tools, games like Pokémon Uranium, and even viral videos.