Chinese Pokémon Clone Fined $15M Over Copyright Infringement

The Pokémon Company secures a significant victory in a copyright infringement lawsuit against Chinese companies. A Shenzhen court awarded them $15 million in damages for the unauthorized creation and distribution of "Pokémon Monster Reissue," a mobile RPG that blatantly copied Pokémon characters, creatures, and gameplay mechanics. The game featured strikingly similar characters to Pikachu and Ash Ketchum, mirroring the core turn-based battles and creature collection mechanics synonymous with the Pokémon franchise. The lawsuit, filed in December 2021, highlighted the game's blatant use of iconic Pokémon imagery, including the Pikachu artwork from Pokémon Yellow on its app icon and prominent advertisement featuring Ash Ketchum, Oshawott, Pikachu, and Tepig. Gameplay footage further revealed the inclusion of characters like Rosa from Pokémon Black and White 2 and Charmander.

While initially seeking $72.5 million in damages and a public apology, the $15 million judgment still represents a substantial win for The Pokémon Company. Three of the six defendant companies are reportedly appealing the decision. The company emphasized its commitment to protecting its intellectual property, ensuring fans worldwide can enjoy Pokémon content without infringement.

This legal action follows past criticism of The Pokémon Company's handling of fan projects. Former Chief Legal Officer Don McGowan clarified that the company doesn't actively seek out fan projects for takedowns. Action is typically taken when projects gain significant traction, such as through crowdfunding campaigns. McGowan highlighted that media attention often brings fan projects to the company's attention, inadvertently triggering legal action. Despite this policy, takedown notices have been issued for projects with less widespread reach, including fan-made tools, games like Pokémon Uranium, and even viral videos. The $15 million judgment underscores The Pokémon Company’s dedication to safeguarding its intellectual property and the significant financial consequences of copyright infringement.