Nintendo is famous for two things: its extensive roster of family-friendly entertainment, and a legal team that is out for blood.
Their stringent rules surrounding their Intellectual Property (IP) are notorious in the gaming community. Games released decades ago, even ones unavailable on modern consoles, are protected with the same militance as newer properties—ROM files are scrubbed from the face of the internet, and file hosts are served Cease and Desist orders. Most gamers who enjoy retro titles have not taken kindly to this.
However, many opinions shifted after Aftermath reported on Nintendo’s newest suit: one against the U.S. Government.
The lawsuit (surprisingly) does not concern the government’s use of Nintendo’s IPs; instead, it challenges the legality of President Trump’s tariffs and seeks compensation for Nintendo’s resulting financial losses.
The opening of the complaint is as follows:
1. This action concerns Defendants’ initiation and administration of unlawful trade measures that have, to date, resulted in the collection of more than $200 billion in tariffs on imports from nearly all countries.
2. This Complaint focuses on Defendants’ unlawful imposition of tariffs (“IEEPA
Duties”) founded on President Trump’s executive orders invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, 50 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq., (“IEEPA”) to justify same.
Put simply, Nintendo is claiming that Trump’s tariffs are illegal under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 and that they are, and therefore entitled to reparations.
As of March 15, the White House has not commented on this matter. However, they have become more brazen in their use of Nintendo’s property.
On Twitter, the White House uploaded a parody of the classic “Wii Sports” where certain scenes were replaced with footage of Iran being bombed. They used the “Pokopia” logo font in another post. Considering Nintendo’s legal team, it would not be surprising if the posts ended up as evidence in court.
There is a long way to go before the verdict is read. But one thing is certain: Nintendo will not back down without a fight.
