Pokémon Chinese Clone Fined $15 Million in Copyright Case

The Pokémon Company successfully defended its intellectual property, winning a $15 million judgment against Chinese companies that created a blatant Pokémon clone.

Pokémon Wins Major Copyright Infringement Case

A significant legal victory for The Pokémon Company concludes a lengthy battle against Chinese companies accused of copyright infringement and intellectual property theft. The Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court awarded $15 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed in December 2021, targeted a mobile RPG, "Pokémon Monster Reissue," for its striking similarities to the Pokémon franchise.

Launched in 2015, "Pokémon Monster Reissue" featured characters closely resembling Pikachu and Ash Ketchum, along with gameplay mechanics virtually identical to the core Pokémon experience. While acknowledging the existence of other monster-collecting games, The Pokémon Company argued that "Pokémon Monster Reissue" went beyond inspiration and constituted blatant plagiarism. Evidence included the game's icon, which used Pikachu artwork from Pokémon Yellow, and advertisements featuring Ash, Pikachu, and other recognizable characters without modification.

Initially, The Pokémon Company sought $72.5 million in damages, a public apology, and a halt to the game's development and distribution. While the final award was lower, the $15 million judgment serves as a strong deterrent against future copyright infringement. Three of the six sued companies reportedly plan to appeal. The Pokémon Company reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its intellectual property to ensure fans worldwide can enjoy Pokémon content without disruption.

Balancing IP Protection and Fan Creativity

The Pokémon Company has faced past criticism for its handling of fan projects. Former Chief Legal Officer Don McGowan clarified the company’s approach in a March interview, stating that they don't proactively seek out fan projects but intervene when projects cross a line, particularly if they receive funding. He emphasized that legal action is a last resort.

The company typically learns about fan projects through media or direct discovery. Despite its stated preference for avoiding legal battles with fans, The Pokémon Company has issued takedown notices for projects with minimal reach, including fan-made tools and games.