Overview

• In recent court filings, Nintendo argues that user-made mods do not qualify as prior art because they depend on an underlying game and therefore are not standalone works.
• Pocketpair’s defense cites mods such as the Pocket Souls overhaul for Dark Souls 3, which let players capture and battle enemies, as evidence predating Nintendo’s asserted patent claims.
• Games Fray’s review of the case file indicates Nintendo is asking the court to dismiss mods from consideration, countering Pocketpair’s attempt to use them to invalidate the patents.
• Legal experts note Japanese courts have often favored defendants who can show prior art, while separate U.S. patents recently granted to Nintendo on summoning and combat behavior have drawn skepticism about their durability.
• The dispute has raised concerns for modders and smaller studios given Nintendo’s past enforcement actions, as Pocketpair continues adjusting Palworld and works toward a 1.0 release next year.