US Patent Office Rejects Nintendo's 'Summon and Battle' Patent

Ruling frees game developers from lawsuit fears over Pokémon-style combat mechanics.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:24pm

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The US Patent and Trademark Office has rejected all 26 claims of Nintendo's US Patent No. 12,433,397, effectively revoking the company's broad protection over character summoning mechanics. This decision changes the landscape for game developers, who had previously worried about potential lawsuits from Nintendo over Pokémon-style combat systems.

Why it matters

Nintendo's patent had triggered anxiety across the industry, with developers fearing lawsuits over common gameplay elements. This ruling signals caution for companies pursuing sweeping patents on popular game features and provides relief for independent developers who can now implement summoning mechanics without the threat of legal action.

The details

The USPTO cited prior art from Konami, Nintendo's own patents, and others as the basis for rejecting all of Nintendo's claims. The examiner found that 18 claims were obvious combinations of existing ideas, effectively demolishing Nintendo's patent.

  • In November 2025, USPTO Director John A. Squires ordered the patent's reexamination, the first director-initiated action without third-party involvement since 2012.
  • In April 2026, the USPTO rejected all 26 claims of Nintendo's patent.

The players

US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

The federal agency responsible for granting US patents and registering trademarks.

Nintendo

A Japanese multinational consumer electronics and video game company that is known for iconic video game franchises like Pokémon.

John A. Squires

The Director of the US Patent and Trademark Office who ordered the reexamination of Nintendo's patent.

Konami

A Japanese multinational entertainment conglomerate and video game company.

Motokura

The inventor named on a patent that provided prior art against Nintendo's claims.

Shimomoto

The inventor named on a Bandai Namco patent that provided prior art against Nintendo's claims.

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What they’re saying

“This decision signals caution for companies pursuing sweeping patents on common game features. Independent developers can breathe easier knowing that summoning mechanics won't automatically trigger lawsuits.”

— Annemarije de Boer, Technology journalist

What’s next

Nintendo has two months to respond to the USPTO's rejection with possible extensions and can appeal the decision to the Federal Circuit Court. Even salvaging one valid claim could allow the company to pursue narrowed enforcement against specific infringers.

The takeaway

The USPTO's comprehensive rejection of Nintendo's patent suggests the company faces an uphill battle in defending such broad gameplay mechanics. This ruling is a win for game developers, who can now implement summoning and battle mechanics without fear of legal action from Nintendo.