Overview
- Application 2024-031879 was rejected for lacking an inventive step, with examiners citing prior games including ARK: Survival Evolved, Monster Hunter 4, Craftopia, Kantai Collection, and Pokémon GO.
- The rejected filing descends from Nintendo’s 2023 patent JP7505852 and sits between two granted family members, including JP7545191, that are being asserted in the Tokyo District Court case.
- Japan Patent Office records show a third‑party prior‑art submission earlier this year that contributed to the rejection.
- The administrative decision does not decide the Tokyo District Court lawsuit, but it may influence the court’s view of the originality of Nintendo’s claimed systems.
- Nintendo has 60 days from the October 22 notice to amend the claims, argue against the examiner’s findings, or appeal, a process that could extend into 2026.