The Pokémon Company has officially won a long-standing copyright infringement lawsuit, further reinforcing its strict stance on intellectual property protection. The company issued a statement following the verdict, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding Pokémon-related content from unauthorized use.
Before diving into the lawsuit details, let’s first take a look at who owns the Pokémon Company and how much it is worth today.
Unlike many other gaming franchises, Pokémon is not owned by a single company. Instead, it is managed by The Pokémon Company, a joint venture between:
Nintendo – The largest stakeholder and a key figure in Pokémon's global success.
Game Freak – The company responsible for developing the main Pokémon games.
Creatures Inc. – Handles Pokémon trading cards and additional content.
Although Nintendo is strongly associated with Pokémon, it does not own the brand outright. Instead, The Pokémon Company operates independently, managing Pokémon's licensing, media adaptations, and merchandise.
Pokémon is one of the most valuable entertainment franchises in the world, consistently generating billions in revenue across multiple industries.
As of 2024, the Pokémon brand is valued at over $100 billion.
This massive valuation comes from multiple sources, including:
Video game sales (main series + Pokémon GO, Pokémon Unite, etc.)
Anime series and movies
Trading card games
Merchandising and licensing deals
Pokémon Company frequently takes legal action to protect its brand from unauthorized use. The latest case involved a copyright infringement dispute, where an external party used Pokémon-related content without permission.
The court ruled in favor of Pokémon Company, setting a precedent for similar cases in the future. The official statement from Pokémon Company highlighted key points:
Pokémon is a legally protected brand.
Unauthorized content and distribution will face legal consequences.
The company will continue monitoring and taking action against copyright violations.
This ruling serves as a strong warning to developers and content creators who might attempt to use Pokémon assets without permission. The company has shown that it will vigorously defend its intellectual property to maintain control over one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
The Pokémon Company’s legal victory reinforces its position as a global entertainment powerhouse. With a market value exceeding $100 billion and a strict approach to brand protection, the company remains one of the most influential forces in the gaming industry.
This lawsuit also sets a precedent for future copyright enforcement, ensuring that Pokémon's brand integrity remains intact for years to come.