Overview
- Application 2024-031879 was rejected for lack of inventive step, with the JPO pointing to ARK, Monster Hunter 4, Craftopia, Kantai Collection, and Pokémon GO as prior art.
- The filing sits within the same patent family as patents asserted by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company in the Tokyo District Court case against Pocketpair.
- A third-party prior‑art submission prompted the examiner’s decision, and the JPO does not identify the anonymous submitter.
- Nintendo can amend the claims or appeal within 60 days of the October 22 notice, keeping the administrative process active into 2026 if pursued.
- The Tokyo District Court lawsuit continues independently and could be influenced by the JPO’s technical findings, with proceedings expected to extend into 2026.