GTA 5 mod could help Palworld with its Nintendo lawsuits

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Key recommendations

  • A GTA 5 mod may help Palworld fight Nintendo's patent infringement lawsuits.
  • Nintendo is targeting Palworld for alleged patent infringements related to its grappling, aiming and riding mechanisms.
  • Palworld's success could be affected by the outcome of lawsuits seeking ¥10 million and an injunction in Japan.



Palworld may have a Grand Theft Auto 5 modder to thank as their mod might end up helping Palworld to fight Nintendo's lawsuits. The surprising part of Palworld-related information comes from a lawyer who is well versed in Japanese patent law.

Palworld made huge waves when it hit the gaming scene, many fans flocked to the title to try out the unique experience, which was often called “Pokémon with weapons.” While many felt there were similarities between Palworld and Pokémonespecially in terms of game design and mechanics, The Pokemon Company and Nintendo have been pretty quiet about the game until recently. Now, Palworld is facing lawsuits from Nintendo based on three unique patents.


Palworld Flying a Friend

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One of the patents that Palworld is being sued because of the catch mechanisms present in the game. Players capture Pals using Pal Spheres, which are thrown at the target and capture them. The mechanic allegedly infringes on Nintendo's “killer” patent no. 7545191, which covers the act of throwing a catch; in this case Pal Sphere or a Poke Ball. However, according to Nikkei Business (via Automaton ), Japanese patent attorney Ryo Arashida said that a game mode that preceded Palworld for eight years uses a similar mechanic and thus may render Nintendo's patent invalid.


A GTA 5 Mod Saved Palworld?

Although not directly named, the timing of the mod's release and its description indicate that it is most likely one Pokemon Go– thematic GTA 5 mod that appeared in 2016. Most importantly, the current patent 7545191 that Nintendo is using in its lawsuit is linked to a “parent patent” that was filed in 2021. In other words, the mod predates both patents, potentially making legality challenging against Palworld discussed.


However, the above mentioned patent is only one of Palworldhis problems. Nintendo also challenged Palworld with its patents 7493117 and 7528390. Patent 7493117 is related to in-game aiming, while 7528390 focuses on the character rider. At this point, it's unclear if there are similar cases that could end up helping Palworld with these two patents.

Which ends up happening Palworld remains to be seen. The lawsuits seek a total of 10 million yen, or about $65,000, plus late damages, from Pocketpair. While it might sting, this number would hardly spell the end of the game developer alone. However, Nintendo also wants an ordinance that would mean Palworld it could no longer be sold in Japan. This could have a much bigger impact on the game and the company, although if it only affected the Japanese market, Pocketpair could probably recover.

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