The Pokémon Company has emerged victorious in a prolonged legal battle against the developers of a Chinese mobile game, Pocket Monster: Remake. The lawsuit, which began in 2021, centered on allegations of copyright infringement and unfair competition. The dispute concluded with a substantial settlement, marking a significant win for the Japanese entertainment giant. Pocket Monster: Remake, launched in 2015, garnered considerable popularity, reportedly earning around $42 million in its peak year. The game's blatant use of unaltered Pokémon characters and branding led to the lawsuit. After three years of litigation, including appeals, both parties reached a settlement this week, resulting in an apology from the developer and the shutdown of the infringing game.

Back in 2015, Guangzhou Maichi Network Technology Co., Ltd. introduced Pocket Monster: Remake, a mobile game that quickly gained traction among players. The game's success was partly attributed to its unauthorized use of iconic Pokémon characters and elements, closely resembling the original Pokémon games. Pikachu, Ash Ketchum, and other familiar faces appeared almost identically to their counterparts in official Pokémon media. This similarity did not go unnoticed by The Pokémon Company, which initiated legal action in 2021. The Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court ruled in favor of The Pokémon Company in September 2024, awarding damages of approximately $15 million. However, both sides appealed the decision, leading to further negotiations.

The resolution came after extensive discussions under the mediation of the High People’s Court of Guangdong Province. Guangzhou Maichi Network Technology Co., Ltd. acknowledged its wrongdoing and issued a public apology across various social media platforms. In the statement, the company admitted to using design elements from the well-known Pokémon Video Game Series without permission, thereby infringing on copyrights and engaging in unfair competition. The apology emphasized the company's realization of the harm caused to rights holders and the broader community. It also confirmed that Pocket Monster: Remake had been removed from the market and that operations had ceased entirely.

The Pokémon Company's victory in this case underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property in the gaming industry. The developer's admission and subsequent actions serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of copyright infringement. Moving forward, Guangzhou Maichi Network Technology Co., Ltd. has committed to prioritizing intellectual property protection in its future endeavors. This case also highlights ongoing challenges in the industry, with The Pokémon Company still involved in another lawsuit against Pocketpair, the makers of Palworld, over patent infringement. Despite these legal hurdles, the Pokémon franchise continues to assert its dominance and protect its valuable assets.