Pokémon Company Sues Over Unlicensed NFT Game

Legal Battle Over NFT Game

The Pokémon Company International has initiated legal proceedings against Pokémon Pty Ltd, an Australian firm, for advertising an unlicensed NFT-based Pokémon game called PokéWorld. This unauthorized game was allegedly promoted under the guise of being a legitimate project by Kotiota Studios, falsely claiming affiliations with notable Pokémon titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

False Claims and Fraudulent Activities

Pokémon Pty Ltd, registered in Australia since December 2016, was accused of creating a deceptive website to mislead users into believing the game was officially sanctioned. The fraudulent studio purportedly utilized various promotional materials, including a roadmap and whitepaper, to assert its alleged connections with The Pokémon Company International, intensifying their deceit through outreach to media platforms.

Legal Proceedings and Company Actions

In response, The Pokémon Company International has sought legal intervention from the Federal Court of Australia to halt the misuse of its trademarks and intellectual property on the defendant's digital platforms. Despite the legal proceedings starting in December, Kotiota Studios failed to appear at the initial hearing, while The Pokémon Company's legal representatives were present. The plaintiff has demanded that the court prevent the sale of NFTs and further use of its intellectual property by the defendant.

Implications for Web3 Gaming

This case underscores the pervasive issue of unauthorized Pokémon-inspired games within the Web3 gaming sector, highlighting the importance of due diligence. The suspension of PokéWorld’s online presence serves as a cautionary tale for both developers and players in the gaming community. As one of the most successful franchises, Pokémon's stringent legal measures reflect its commitment to protecting its brand from unauthorized exploitation.