The Pokemon Company wins $15 million lawsuit against Chinese knock-off –

You’ve probably never heard of Koudaiyaoguai Fuke or Pocket Monster Reissue. First released in 2015, the game plagiarized many Pokémon characters, even the franchise’s most famous faces, such as Ash Ketchum and Pikachu.

The Pokémon Company was not happy about its IP being stolen, so in 2021 it filed a lawsuit against six Chinese companies involved in the development and publication of the game. Originally, The Pokémon Company wanted $72 million in damages, as the game earned $42 million in one year.

One of the companies was ordered to pay $15 million or 107 million Chinese yuan. Three of the other companies were held jointly and severally liable, but have since appealed. It may not be the whopping $72 million The Pokémon Company wanted, but it still shows that you can’t rip off one of the world’s most recognizable IPs without payback.

Thanks, Gamebiz.