No: the reported development is not a newly acquired Nintendo patent. Japan’s Patent Office refused a touchscreen-focused patent application filed jointly by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. That refusal is separate from the patents involved in the companies’ Palworld dispute and does not decide that case.
What happened to the application?
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) refused Japanese Patent Application No. 2026-019762 on 7 July 2026, according to the European Commission’s IP Helpdesk account published on 7 August 2026. Nintendo Co., Ltd. and The Pokémon Company filed the application jointly. It was an application seeking patent protection, not a patent Nintendo had newly acquired. The Commission’s account of the refusal describes the outcome and its limits.
What gameplay did it describe?
The application concerned touchscreen gameplay in which a player moves a character, captures creatures, and selects commands during combat. The Commission account says the examiner maintained objections after considering the applicants’ response and refused the application under Article 29(2) of Japan’s Patent Act, the inventive-step provision.
As summarized by the Commission, the examiner considered prior-art material including a 2013 YouTube gameplay video of an unofficial fan-created Pokémon-style game, along with information about touchscreen controls, mobile adaptations of computer games, and capturing creatures during combat. The reported conclusion was that several elements of the claimed system would have been obvious in light of that material.
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- Interactive touchscreen smartwatch featuring Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, and more iconic Pokémon characters
- Two interchangeable silicone straps with vibrant Pokémon artwork, comfortable and durable for all-day wear
- Loaded with fun features including a selfie camera, video recorder, and voice recorder.
- Customizable experience with 10 digital and analog watch faces, 3 wallpapers, and alarm/timer/stopwatch functions
- No connectivity required, making it a safe and engaging wearable tech option for young Pokémon trainers
The account also says Nintendo argued that the fan-made game allegedly infringed Pokémon-related copyright. The reported patent point is narrower: the JPO treated publicly available information as relevant prior art despite that copyright allegation. The refusal does not establish that the fan-made game was lawful or officially licensed.
Does this change the Palworld case?
No. The refusal applies to this additional touchscreen-focused application. The European Commission expressly distinguishes it from the patents considered by the Tokyo District Court in the separate dispute involving Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, and Palworld developer Pocketpair. The refusal does not invalidate those patents, determine whether Palworld infringes them, or resolve the litigation.
Rank #2
- Features official Poké Ball watch face and matching wallpaper for immersive styling
- Built-in selfie camera lets kids take fun photos and short video clips anytime
- Includes voice recorder so kids can capture notes, sounds, or playful messages
- Functional alarm, timer, and stopwatch help kids stay on schedule throughout the day
- Soft silicone strap fits wrists from 5.5" to 8" and is perfect for kids ages 4 and up
A July 2026 roundup by Japanese patent-attorney firm Siarasia also distinguishes the touchscreen application from related granted patents and the patents asserted in litigation. That roundup is contextual analysis based on public records, not the JPO’s primary decision document. Siarasia’s July 2026 status roundup gives that comparison, with a stated cutoff of 8 July 2026.
Could the applicants appeal?
The Commission account says the applicants could request an appeal trial before the JPO within three months of receiving the refusal. The sources cited here do not establish whether they filed such a request or what followed, so the later procedural status should be treated as unresolved.
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Rank #3
- Walkie Talkies for Kids: Two way radios featuring cool graphics and design inspired by your favorite Pokemon, Pikachu!
- Static Free and Extended Range: Send messages with the push of a button while you play walkie talkie games with friends or family. Up to 500 foot range in ideal conditions.
- Kid-Friendly Controls: Easy to use push to talk button makes these kids walkie talkies fun for children aged 3 and up. Requires 4 x AAA batteries (included).
- Durable and Lightweight: Take these Pikachu toys anywhere – ideal for both indoor and outdoor games. Includes wrist strap and belt clip for added portability.
- Perfect Gift: Great gifts for any occasion. Visit the ekids brand store to explore more cool toys for kids!
How to read the patent headlines
Reports about Nintendo and Pokémon-related patents can refer to different proceedings. To avoid treating them as one outcome, check four distinctions:
Quick Recap
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- BATTLE READY: Get ready for battle with the Pokémon Pikachu Clip ‘N’ Go Belt Set
- POKÉ BALLS: Set features a Poké and Level Ball in addition to a wearable Belt
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- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
Rank #4
- (C) Nintendo, Creatures, Game Freak, TV Tokyo, ShoPro, JR Kikaku (C) Pokémon
- Requires 4 AA alkaline batteries (sold separately). Please use alkaline batteries. To prevent accidental ingestion, we use the screw on the battery case lid
- Jurisdiction: the refusal discussed here concerns a Japanese application.
- Procedural status: this was an application that was refused, not a newly granted patent; any later appeal status is not established here.
- Subject matter: this application concerned touchscreen capture and combat gameplay, not every mechanic associated with Palworld.
- Legal effect: a patentability refusal is not an infringement judgment and does not itself cancel separate granted patents.
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