No stopping Pokemon GO!

We’ve all heard about the latest augmented reality game and the impact it’s had on our streets. But what does it mean for the world of IP?

The game was developed by Niantic (Nintendo having a stake therein) and allows users to travel their surroundings and collect Pokemon. Nintendo however were on top of this idea since 2006; filing a large number of patents in 2011 in particular for augmented reality technology. Their patent portfolio currently covers virtual spaces, motion and movement sensors for portable devices, three-dimensional data processing, eye-tracking, and visual data overlays. Whilst it all sounds quite technical, this could be the start of some really interesting products in the mobile gaming space; albeit from one particular owner.

So this game has been a long time in the making. Just when we thought Nintendo was out of the picture, they have sprung back with a serious of hidden gems and an offer that will change the face of the mobile gaming space. Even though Nintendo owns the technology, some news outlets are reporting about the potential licensing of this patented technology.

This is a really interesting possibility and drives home the importance of protecting your IP. Whilst you may not be able to make use of it yourself, it is certainly possible, through licensing, that someone else can legitimately exploit your intellectual property. If you’re interested in patents and/or licensing your IP, feel free to get in touch for more information.