What on earth is this Pokémon? This is a question not only asked by parents of teenagers, but also by entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs looking up to the global success of the mobile game. Beware, however, of potential legal problems. Pokémon, or “pocket monsters”, belong to Japanese creators and only they can exploit them commercially.
We have already seen cases where someone wanted to use animated characters for their business. However, without a proper licence, this can become expensive.
Pokémon GO is a mobile gaming app based on the principle of augmented reality. It connects the gaming environment to the real world via a smartphone. In the game, we search for Pokémon in the real world, but we only see them through our mobile phone. One hundred million people have already downloaded the app.
So, the flippers among entrepreneurs are considering how to bring the “seeker” right to their door. The idea is very tempting, but it may backfire.
Pokémon belongs to its creators, and not only the name, but also the graphic design, simply a work of authorship as such. Thus, the rights owner (which is not actually Nintendo, but the Pokémon Company) can demand that anyone misusing its work or trademark refrain from doing so in the first place, that all “fake” Pokémon be removed immediately and that they stop misusing it for their own benefit.
However, it can also demand the release of unjust enrichment, i.e. what someone has earned from the use of the Pokémon, and compensation for damages caused by the unauthorised use. In addition, he can also claim damages if the use of the Pokémon has in any way diminished its value. Whether it is possible to diminish the value of a work such as a Pokémon in this particular case is for each person to decide.
Our team of experienced attorneys will help you solve any legal issue. Within 24 hours we’ll evaluate your situation and suggest a step-by-step solution, including all costs. The price for this proposal is only CZK 690, and this is refunded to you when you order service from us.
In the United States, however, the opposite viewpoint is also being addressed. Isn’t the Pokémon Company also breaking the law by placing its characters in various places without the owners’ consent? Can someone encroach on your property in cyberspace? What if someone trespasses on private property just to catch a rare Pokémon only visible in virtual reality through a mobile phone screen? It could even be a crime. In the US, trespassing even carries the immediate risk of being shot with a legally held gun. Pokémon hunting can thus be a very dangerous pastime.
Our team of experienced attorneys will help you solve any legal issue. Within 24 hours we’ll evaluate your situation and suggest a step-by-step solution, including all costs. The price for this proposal is only CZK 690, and this is refunded to you when you order service from us.
Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 10 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
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