IP Expert: Outrage Over Palworld Lawsuit Likely Spurred Scrutiny of Nintendo’s Pokémon Patent — But Letting Loud Internet Crowds Decide Is Questionable

Velzen adds that if the reexamination was triggered partly by online criticism of the patent system, it raises complex questions. He observes that vocal communities — such as Reddit users — are quick to call out what they perceive as weak patents, and that public pressure could be useful in highlighting questionable grants and prompting official review.

He cautions, however, that relying on public outcry isn’t without risk. If loud online criticism could routinely overturn patents, it might suppress legitimate innovation and discourage developers pursuing beneficial advances. “There are arguments on both sides,” Velzen says, noting the balance between policing poorly examined patents and protecting genuine inventive efforts.

Palworld dev says a Dark Souls 3 mod invalidates Nintendo’s Pokéball patent; Nintendo contends mods aren’t ‘real’ games, and an expert warns prior-art precedents could be used against modders.