The Pokémon Company, known for its globally popular franchise, has recently filed new trademarks for potential future titles, signaling ongoing expansion and innovation within the Pokémon universe. While the specifics of these trademarks have not been fully disclosed, such filings typically indicate preparations for new games, merchandise, or media projects that could shape the franchise’s direction in the coming years.
In parallel to these trademark activities, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have been involved in significant legal and intellectual property developments, particularly concerning a controversial patent related to Pokémon game mechanics. This patent, granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in September 2025, covers a system that allows players to summon sub-characters to fight automatically in battles, a mechanic featured in recent titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The patent, numbered 12,403,397, describes a process where a player can release a Pokémon to engage in combat independently within the game environment, blending manual and automated battle elements.
However, this patent has sparked considerable debate and scrutiny within the gaming community and legal experts. Critics argue that the patent covers a broad and somewhat fundamental gameplay mechanic, raising concerns about its impact on other game developers and franchises that use similar systems. The controversy intensified as Nintendo pursued legal action against the developer Pocketpair, creators of the game Palworld, alleging patent infringement. This lawsuit has drawn attention to the broader implications of Nintendo’s patent strategy in protecting its intellectual property.
In response to these concerns, the USPTO, under the direction of John A. Squires, has ordered an ex parte reexamination of the patent. This is a rare and significant move, indicating “substantial new questions” about the patent’s validity. The reexamination process involves reviewing prior art—existing patents and publications that may predate Nintendo’s claims—to determine if the patent should have been granted. Two key prior patents cited in this review are from Konami (filed in 2002) and Nintendo itself (filed in 2019), which may challenge the novelty and originality of the ‘397 patent.
The reexamination is expected to conclude by early 2026, and its outcome could have far-reaching consequences for Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, and the wider gaming industry. If the patent is invalidated or narrowed, it could weaken Nintendo’s legal position against Palworld and potentially open the door for other developers to use similar gameplay mechanics without fear of infringement. Conversely, if upheld, it would reinforce Nintendo’s control over this aspect of game design.
From a broader perspective, the Pokémon Company’s trademark filings for new titles suggest that despite ongoing legal battles, the franchise continues to evolve and expand. These trademarks may cover new game concepts, spin-offs, or even cross-media projects, reflecting the company’s strategy to maintain its cultural and commercial relevance.
Regarding medical aspects, while the Pokémon franchise occasionally touches on health-related themes within its gameplay—such as healing Pokémon or status effects—there is no direct medical content related to these trademark filings or the patent issues. For authoritative information on medical topics, sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), or peer-reviewed medical journals should be consulted. These organizations provide validated and evidence-based information on health and medicine, which is distinct from the entertainment and intellectual property matters discussed here.
In summary, The Pokémon Company’s recent trademark filings indicate future projects on the horizon, while Nintendo’s patent on automated battle mechanics is under critical review by the USPTO. This intersection of innovation, legal strategy, and intellectual property management highlights the complex environment in which one of the world’s most beloved franchises operates.
