​Nintendo has recently acquired two additional U.S. patents targeting the game Palworld, developed by Pocketpair. The first, U.S. Patent No. 12,246,255, was granted on March 11, 2025, and pertains to mechanisms for seamless transitions between flying and land-based traversal objects. The second patent is pending, with Nintendo’s request for an interview with the patent examiner recently approved, indicating its imminent grant. ​

These developments are part of Nintendo’s broader legal strategy against Palworld. In September 2024, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed a lawsuit in Japan, alleging that Palworld infringed upon multiple patents related to creature capture mechanics and other gameplay features. Subsequently, in December 2024, Nintendo filed several patent applications in the United States, aiming to bolster their legal position. However, by February 2025, only one of these applications had been approved, with 22 others rejected by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. ​

The acquisition of these additional patents suggests that Nintendo is intensifying its efforts to protect its intellectual property and may be preparing for further legal action against Pocketpair. It’s important to note that patent disputes can be complex and subject to change as new information emerges.