Nintendo is determined that Palworld won’t become a successfully large franchise and has taken steps to quickly try to obtain a patent for a Poke Ball-style capture-and-release mechanic for touchscreen devices ahead of the release of Palworld on mobile platforms. While the Kyoto-based company has been trying to fast track the patent they have been unsuccessful so far in their attempts. Kotaku says that Japan’s Patent Office has denied the application because it doesn’t include an “inventive step” or add any sort of new innovation beyond already common, established mechanics. They will appeal this.
Thanks to Greatsong1 for sending in the news tip!
