Brief Summary
This video discusses recent patents obtained by Nintendo, focusing on their potential implications for the gaming industry. It highlights a specific patent related to throwing objects that affect field characters, which is at the core of a lawsuit against Palworld. The video also touches on other patents, including one for creature capture games and more recent filings related to character control and movement mechanics. The speaker expresses concern that these broad patents could stifle innovation and force developers to defensively patent their own mechanics.
- Nintendo has successfully obtained a patent in the US for throwing an object that affects a field character, similar to mechanics used in Palworld.
- The speaker worries that Nintendo's aggressive patenting could lead to more lawsuits and force other developers to patent their game mechanics defensively.
- Other recently approved Nintendo patents, such as those related to character control and movement, are briefly discussed, with the speaker seeking community input for further analysis.
Nintendo's Throwing Patent and the Palworld Lawsuit
The video begins by addressing Nintendo's successful acquisition of a patent in the United States for the concept of throwing an object that has an effect on a field character. This patent is central to the lawsuit against Palworld, as it covers the action of throwing an item, like a Pal Sphere, to capture a creature. The speaker argues that the wording of the patent is overly broad, potentially encompassing any game where a thrown object affects a character, such as grenades or spears in various games. While the US Patent Office initially rejected similar patents as too broad, Nintendo has now been granted this patent, raising concerns about its potential misuse.
Concerns Over Broad Patent Approvals
The speaker expresses concern over the approval of Nintendo's broad patents in the United States, especially after initial rejections. One theory suggests that patent offices may not be thoroughly checking the gaming industry for prior art, instead relying on existing patents, which creates a loophole. This situation could compel more game developers to seek patents for their mechanics to protect themselves from potential lawsuits by companies like Nintendo. The speaker views this as a concerning trend that could stifle innovation within the gaming industry.
Other Recent Nintendo Patents
The video shifts to discussing other recently approved Nintendo patents. One patent involves a first character controlled by the player and a second character controlled automatically, where the first character uses combined weapon objects and the second character uses item objects attached to them for attacks. The speaker admits uncertainty about the specific application of this patent and seeks community input. Another patent appears to describe a follow mechanic, where a second object tracks the path of a first object based on stored coordinate sets. The speaker acknowledges feeling unwell and unable to fully analyse these patents, inviting viewers to share their insights.
Charging Stand Design Patent and Call to Action
The speaker briefly mentions a seemingly trivial patent for the ornamental design of a charging stand for electronic device controllers, questioning its uniqueness. Returning to the main concern, the speaker emphasises that Nintendo's newly acquired patent for throwing objects that affect field characters could be used to launch another lawsuit against Palworld in the United States, even if Pocketpair wins the case in Japan. The speaker urges viewers to contact the US Patent Office and their senators to address what they consider a frivolous and potentially harmful patent. The video concludes with a call for viewers to engage with the content and subscribe for future deep dives into these patents.
