In the shadow of the Palworld lawsuit, Nintendo, Sega, and more Japanese gaming giants discuss patents and when taking too much inspiration becomes a problem


Following a tumultuous year of legal disputes in 2024, insights into Nintendo's intellectual property (IP) strategy have emerged from the company's patent attorney, who emphasizes the critical role of IP rights in fostering robust growth within the gaming sector. During a conference titled "The Importance of Intellectual Property Rights in the Game Industry," held at the Tokyo eSports Festa 2025, representatives from prominent companies such as Sega, Konami, and Nintendo discussed their views on the matter. Nintendo's legal stance is particularly noteworthy given its headline-grabbing lawsuits over the past year, including actions against a streamer for allegedly broadcasting unreleased games and a patent infringement case against Pocketpair, the developer of Palworld. Koji Nishiura, Nintendo's patent attorney and deputy general manager of its IP department, articulated the company's comprehensive approach to acquiring various forms of IP rights, such as trademarks, patents, and design rights, each providing distinct legal protections. This multifaceted strategy enables Nintendo to safeguard its brand and business effectively. In contrast, Sega's Kikuo Masumoto expressed a more permissive view, acknowledging that the gaming industry thrives on the exchange of ideas, while also recognizing the need for limits to prevent excessive imitation. He noted that Sega's patents are not intended to block others from utilizing their technology; rather, they are available for licensing, provided that companies are willing to pay for access. Konami's Shunsuke Murase added that licensing game mechanics and technology is crucial for recouping investments, especially as game production costs escalate. Ultimately, while Nishiura's assertion that IP rights are vital for the healthy evolution of the gaming industry is compelling, it is essential to consider these discussions within the context of Japan's territorial IP laws, as global variations may exist. Nishiura also acknowledged that while emulators are not inherently illegal, their legality hinges on usage.



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