Nintendo’s attempt to patent character-summoning mechanics has suffered a major setback. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a non-final rejection of the company’s patent, raising questions about the scope of gameplay patents. Nintendo can still appeal, but the ruling could weaken the company’s legal position.

From Surprise Victory to Quick Reversal

In September 2025, Nintendo received a patent covering a method for summoning characters into battle. Many saw it as a way to protect its intellectual property amid disputes with games like Palworld. Analysts warned that granting the patent could set a troubling precedent for the industry.

Now, the USPTO rejected all 26 claims under patent number 12,403,397. The decision follows a November 2025 re-examination ordered by the Office’s Director. The ruling signals skepticism about whether the summoning mechanic is unique enough to deserve patent protection. Nintendo has two months to appeal or take the case to the Federal Circuit. Without an appeal, the patent will be revoked.

Prior Art Complicates Nintendo’s Case

The USPTO cited four prior patents as examples of similar mechanics. The Office emphasized that summoning characters to fight alongside a player is not a novel concept. Nintendo has faced similar obstacles before, such as the Japan Patent Office rejecting its monster-capture patent in 2025. While Nintendo could argue that earlier patents were not implemented in actual games, the ruling shows increased scrutiny over mechanics tied closely to the Pokemon formula.

Implications for Legal Battles and the Industry

This ruling may affect Nintendo’s broader fight against alleged imitators like Palworld and newly announced titles like Pickmon. Even though this patent might not have been part of the Palworld lawsuit, it highlights the challenge of protecting widely used gameplay mechanics. Competitors continue to thrive despite Nintendo’s legal actions.

Fans are unlikely to see immediate changes to Pokemon releases, including Pokemon Legends: Z-A, which continues its content updates. Meanwhile, Palworld nears its 1.0 release, expanding competition in the creature-catching genre.

What’s Next for Nintendo

Nintendo can still appeal the USPTO’s decision. If it chooses not to, the patent may be revoked, which could influence how gameplay mechanics are treated in future intellectual property disputes. The ruling underscores the difficulty of claiming ownership over ideas in a medium built on iteration and shared mechanics.