- The Pokemon Company International has sued Kotiota Studios for developing a Pokemon NFT game without permission
- TPCI claims the game, PokeWorld, infringes on its trademarks
- The company wants Kotiota studios to stop luring people using false information on its website and social platforms
The Pokemon Company International (TPCI), the official company handling non-Asian Pokemon trading card game affairs, has sued Australia-based Pokemon Pty Ltd for developing a Pokemon NFT game through its firm, Kotiota Studios. Dubbed PokeWorld, the game features characters from the popular NFT card game with its creators claiming to be connected with TPCI. However, TPCI has refuted the claims and asked the court to prohibit Pokemon Pty Ltd from using false information to push for the game’s adoption.
We Learnt through Media Campaigns
TPCI also wants Pokemon Pty Ltd to stop using its intellectual properties in its marketing campaigns on social platforms and the game’s website. According to court documents, the PokeWorld developers hold that the game is created by TPCI and Kotiota Studios despite TPCI not being aware of such developments.
The game’s website also states that there are plans to “release non-fungibles tokens (NFTs) related to Pokemon characters.” TPCI disclosed that they learnt of the game’s existence through Kotiota Studios’ marketing campaigns on online publications. Reports indicated that Kotiota Studios failed to show up in court during the first hearing on Wednesday this week.
Stop Until Further Orders
However, the Federal Court of Australia ruled that Pokemon Pty Ltd should cease:
Licenced to develop Pokemon Games by or on behalf of the Applicant (TPCI) or The Pokemon Company or Nintendo Co. […], is affiliated with, associated with or otherwise connected in the course of trade with, approved by, or authorized by TPCI or The Pokemon Company or Nintendo, until further orders.
While it’s clear that TPCI owns the intellectual property rights for Pokemon, the Pokemon Pty Ltd will be allowed time to respond before the court gives its final verdict, although the result looks like a foregone conclusion.
