Nintendo is taking legal action against a new trading card IP titled PokeZoo, which bears a striking resemblance to the popular Pokemon franchise. The move comes as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to protect its intellectual property.
The trademark filing for PokeZoo clearly exhibits elements that closely mimic those of Pokemon, including a logo with a bright yellow color scheme, a creature reminiscent of the Pokemon Gengar, and even a Fast Ball from the Pokemon series. These similarities have prompted Nintendo to file an opposition against PokeZoo, signaling its intent to challenge the potential copyright infringement.
Further scrutiny of PokeZoo’s online presence reveals concerning instances of apparent infringement, such as references to ‘Pokemon’ on the company’s website and attempts to capitalize on the success of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. Additionally, the game’s description as a ‘Collectible Card Game with groundbreaking mechanics that break the 4th Wall’ raises questions about its originality and reliance on established concepts.
Moreover, the availability of PokeZoo cards and bundles on the company’s website, some of which are listed as sold out, along with exorbitant prices for certain items, suggests a dubious commercial strategy. The existence of a PokeZoo game on the Google Play store, updated concurrently with the trademark filing, adds to the growing concerns surrounding the IP’s legitimacy.
Nintendo’s decision to take legal action against PokeZoo underscores the company’s commitment to safeguarding its iconic intellectual properties. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this dispute will likely have significant implications for the protection of creative works within the gaming industry.
