The Pokémon Company: We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property 

On January 25, The Pokémon Company released an official statement titled “Inquiries Regarding Other Companies’ Games.” 

We have received many inquiries regarding another company’s game released in January 2024. We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game. We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon. We will continue to cherish and nurture each and every Pokémon and its world, and work to bring the world together through Pokémon in the future. 

The “game released in January 2024” most likely refers to Palworld, a recently launched best-selling game that has been caught up in heated disputes regarding alleged plagiarism. Many users have been expressing doubts that the creature design in Palworld goes beyond being inspired by existing Pokémon designs and that there is plagiarism and asset theft involved.  

Right before Palworld’s release, PocketPair’s CEO had commented that their studio has no intention of infringing on the intellectual property of other companies, and that Palworld had gone through legal review. It remains to be seen whether the investigation by The Pokémon Company will clear the allegations or lead to legal action being taken.