Key Takeaways
1. Nintendo is actively suing Genki for trademark infringement and false advertising related to their accessories for the Switch 2.
2. Genki claimed insider knowledge of Switch 2 specifications and showcased prototypes at CES 2025, which frustrated Nintendo.
3. Nintendo clarified that Genki’s products were not official and questioned how they obtained their design information.
4. The lawsuit may be challenging for Genki, as their advertising could damage Nintendo’s reputation, and they might need to stop selling their products.
5. Genki could face penalties, including destroying trademarked accessories and forfeiting profits made from their sales.
Nintendo has actively taken action against people or businesses for violating its trademarks. The latest lawsuit against Nintendo follows the actions of an accessory maker for the Switch 2, which showcased its products at CES 2025. As is often the case, it took several months for this legal action to be revealed. A complaint was filed in a California court on May 2nd, alleging that Genki committed trademark infringements and engaged in false advertising.
Genki’s Bold Claims at CES
At the event in January, Genki attracted attention by asserting they had insider knowledge of Switch 2 specifications. Leveraging this information, they produced 3D-printed prototypes. Genki created accessories that were supposedly ready for the release date of the Switch 2. This move frustrated Nintendo even more, as Genki gave interviews to various journalists and showcased its products on social media. On April 1st, they even conducted a presentation that imitated the style of a Nintendo Direct.
Nintendo’s Response
During CES 2025, Nintendo closely monitored Genki’s actions. The company issued a statement making it clear that the accessories for the Switch 2 were not official. They denied supplying Genki with any specifications for the Switch 2 and raised questions about how Genki obtained that information. Eventually, Genki conceded that their designs were based on rumors and leaks, many of which speculated on the dimensions of the handheld device. Given the situation, a lawsuit from Nintendo seemed inevitable after their lawyers visited Genki’s booth.
Legal Consequences
In the ongoing lawsuit, Genki might find it hard to defend its use of Nintendo’s name and logo in its advertising. The court documents indicate that offering incompatible products could have tarnished Nintendo’s image. As a form of restitution, Nintendo wants Genki to stop marketing and selling anything related to the console. Additionally, Genki may need to destroy any accessories that feature trademarked logos and could face penalties for any profits made.
Having early access to consoles gives manufacturers a significant advantage. With Nintendo increasing the prices of Switch 2 accessories, alternatives from third-party manufacturers have become even more sought after.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply