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Maichi Network issues apology and removes Pokémon: Reborn after lawsuit
Guangzhou Maichi Network has apologized and removed its mobile game Pokémon: Reborn, following a lawsuit by The Pokémon Company for copyright infringement. A court ruled in favor of The Pokémon Company, leading to a settlement of RMB 107 million ($14.75 million) in damages after the unauthorized use of their brand elements.
Key points
- Guangzhou Maichi Network issued a public apology.
- The Pokémon Company previously filed a lawsuit in December 2021 for unauthorized use of its characters and gameplay.
- A court ruled in favor of The Pokémon Company, highlighting copyright infringement and unfair competition.
- Maichi Network was ordered to pay RMB 107 million in damages.
- A settlement was reached during a second trial in December 2024.
Why it matters
- This incident reflects ongoing challenges in intellectual property rights within the gaming industry.
- As of 2025, significant trends include increased legal scrutiny over copyright issues as gaming continues to grow globally.
- The rise of mobile gaming has led to more companies facing scrutiny for infringements, similar to Maichi Network's situation.
The case underscores the importance of respecting intellectual property in the gaming industry, reflecting broader trends of legal challenges faced by developers in a rapidly evolving market.