What Pokémon are trademarked?

What Pokémon are Trademarked?

As the world’s most popular and beloved franchise, Pokémon has a vast array of characters, creatures, and concepts that are protected by trademarks. These trademarks ensure that the original creators of the franchise, Nintendo and Game Freak, can maintain their intellectual property and prevent unauthorized use of their characters, logos, and other elements. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Pokémon trademarks and explore which Pokémon, concepts, and logos are protected under these intellectual property laws.

Is Every Pokémon Trademarked?

Yes, every single Pokémon has been registered as a trademark by Nintendo of America Inc. This includes all 809 officially recognized Pokémon, from the iconic Pikachu to the rare and mysterious Deoxys. The trademark registration ensures that the creators of the franchise can protect their intellectual property and prevent others from using these names or logos without permission.

Notable Trademarked Pokémon

While all Pokémon are trademarked, some stand out as being more significant or iconic. Here are a few notable examples:

  • Pikachu: The beloved and iconic starter Pokémon, Pikachu, is registered as a trademark by Nintendo. Its unique name and image have become synonymous with the franchise, making it one of the most recognizable characters in the world.
  • Charmander, Venusaur, Mewtwo, Bulbasaur, Squirtle: These five Pokémon are part of the original starter Pokémon group, introduced in the first Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Green. They have all been registered as trademarks by Nintendo.
  • Eevee: As a highly versatile and popular Pokémon, Eevee has been registered as a trademark by Nintendo. Its multiple evolutions and adaptations have made it a fan favorite, and its name has become synonymous with the franchise.

Non-Trademarks

Not all Pokémon are trademarked, however. Some names and logos have not been registered by Nintendo or Game Freak, either due to their limited recognition or because they are not considered integral to the franchise. These non-trademarked Pokémon include:

  • Rare and Mythical Pokémon: Many rare and mythical Pokémon, such as Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, have not been trademarked. These Pokémon are often part of the franchise’s mythology and are not considered to be as widely recognized or used as other Pokémon.
  • Original Concepts: Some Pokémon, like the starter Pokémon, are more significant and widely recognized than others. As a result, they have been trademarked to protect their intellectual property. Less significant Pokémon, such as those introduced later in the franchise, may not have been trademarked.

Logos and Concepts

In addition to individual Pokémon, logos and concepts are also trademarked by Nintendo and Game Freak. These trademarks include:

  • Pokémon Logo: The iconic Pokémon logo, featuring a stylized letter "P" and a Poké Ball, is a registered trademark.
  • Pokémon Franchise Name: The name "Pokémon" itself is a registered trademark, protecting the franchise’s overall brand and intellectual property.
  • Game Titles: Specific game titles, such as Pokémon Red and Blue, are also registered trademarks.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, all 809 officially recognized Pokémon are registered as trademarks by Nintendo of America Inc. These trademarks ensure that the franchise’s intellectual property is protected, preventing unauthorized use of their names, logos, and concepts. While not all Pokémon are equally significant or widely recognized, many iconic and beloved Pokémon have been trademarked to protect their intellectual property. Understanding what Pokémon are trademarked can help fans, developers, and creators navigate the complex world of intellectual property and ensure that their own work does not infringe on the rights of Nintendo and Game Freak.

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