Nintendo tells Japanese court that mods don't count as prior art — is the modding community at risk?

Nintendo filed patent litigation against Palworld developer Pocketpair at Tokyo District Court, claiming patent infringement. Nintendo modified patents mid-case and argues game mods shouldn't count as prior art to challenge patents. Pocketpair cites mods like Pocket Souls as prior art examples. Nintendo seeks injunction while Pocketpair claims it worked around alleged infringements. Litigation expert Florian Müller warns Nintendo's stance could allow companies to patent mod-pioneered mechanics. Case stalled until 2026 due to patent amendments.