Key Takeaways
1. Genki is facing a trademark infringement lawsuit from Nintendo related to the Switch 2, filed in California on May 2.
2. Genki is responding to the lawsuit seriously and plans to work with legal counsel to address the claims.
3. The dispute began when Genki showcased a mock design of the unreleased Switch 2 at CES, claiming insider knowledge of its specifications.
4. Nintendo demands the destruction of all Genki products related to the Switch label and seeks damages for the alleged infringement.
5. Despite the lawsuit, Genki intends to present new products at PAX East.
Gaming accessory company Genki is facing a lawsuit from Nintendo due to trademark infringement related to the Switch 2. The complaint was filed in a California court on May 2, and Genki has stated that it is taking the matter seriously and will reply “thoughtfully.” The company gained significant attention during CES this January when it unveiled a mock design of the yet-to-be-released Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo, known for its aggressive legal actions, quickly took notice and has been monitoring the situation closely.
Genki’s Response to the Lawsuit
Genki released a statement on X, mentioning, “You may have seen that Nintendo recently filed a lawsuit against us. We’re taking it seriously and working with legal counsel to respond thoughtfully.” The statement also emphasized the company’s pride in its innovation and commitment to quality and originality in its products. Despite the ongoing lawsuit, Genki plans to present its newest offerings at PAX East.
Background of the Dispute
This situation began back in January when Genki claimed it had insider knowledge about the specifications of the not-yet-announced Switch 2. The company showcased a 3D-printed model of the console at CES. Accessory makers usually do this to prepare compatible products for when the console launches, but Genki seems to have crossed a line by not only making bold claims and revealing the mockup but also giving interviews and boasting about its products on social media. Additionally, Genki conducted a presentation that mimicked Nintendo Direct, the platform Nintendo uses for its major announcements.
Nintendo’s Demands
When Nintendo reached out to Genki at that time, the company confessed that its designs were based on rumored details of the Switch 2. Citing potential damage to its brand, Nintendo is seeking the destruction of all products, packaging, promotions, and anything else featuring the Nintendo Switch label. Furthermore, the company is looking to recover damages due to the alleged infringement.
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