Pokémon Company Addresses Plagiarism Allegations in TCG Pocket Expansion

In a recent development that has garnered significant attention, The Pokémon Company swiftly addressed allegations of artistic appropriation concerning new cards for its 'Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket' application. The company acknowledged a misstep in the production process that led to card artwork bearing a striking resemblance to existing fan creations. This prompt response involved the immediate removal of the implicated digital cards and the initiation of a comprehensive internal review, underscoring the company's commitment to upholding creative integrity and rectifying errors. The incident has also reignited discussions within the community regarding intellectual property rights and the complex relationship between official content creation and fan-generated art.

The Pokémon Company Responds to Art Controversy in New TCG Expansion

In the quiet hours of yesterday, July 29, 2025, just before the highly anticipated launch of the latest 'Wisdom of Sea and Sky' expansion for 'Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket', The Pokémon Company found itself embroiled in a notable controversy. Accusations of artistic appropriation surfaced, primarily centered around the artwork of the Ho-Oh EX (3-Star) and Lugia EX (3-Star) cards, both illustrated by SIE NANAHARA.

As the expansion officially debuted on the morning of July 30, 2025, The Pokémon Company swiftly responded by removing the contentious cards from the game. In an official statement disseminated across social media platforms, the company conveyed its profound apologies, attributing the incident to an unforeseen \"production issue.\" The statement clarified that \"the card production team provided incorrect materials as official documents to the illustrator commissioned to create these cards.\" As an immediate measure, temporary placeholder art has been implemented within the game for the affected cards.

The core of the controversy stemmed from the Ho-Oh card's visual similarity to fanart of the legendary bird, originally published in 2021 by artist lanjiuji. Fans who had meticulously datamined the expansion prior to its release were the first to highlight these uncanny resemblances. Upon discovering the situation, lanjiuji publicly shared side-by-side comparisons on social media, clearly illustrating the striking parallels. In a subsequent statement, lanjiuji expressed relief at The Pokémon Company's decisive action, acknowledging the company's timely resolution of the matter.

Beyond the immediate resolution, The Pokémon Company has announced a broader internal inquiry to ensure that no similar issues exist elsewhere within the application. This incident has also sparked wider conversations about the established legal terms governing fanart related to Pokémon, with many scrutinizing the company's stance on fan-created content and its potential use by the official entity.

Reflections on Art, Ownership, and Community in the Digital Age

This recent episode within the Pokémon community serves as a potent reminder of the increasingly complex interplay between established intellectual property, the vibrant world of fan art, and the rapid dissemination of information in our interconnected digital landscape. From a journalistic perspective, the speed with which The Pokémon Company addressed the allegations and took corrective action is commendable, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and rectifying errors. It highlights the significant influence of dedicated fan communities, whose vigilance and collective voice can swiftly bring issues to light and even instigate corporate responses.

From a broader viewpoint, this situation illuminates the evolving challenges of creative ownership in an era where fan creations often blur the lines with official content. While companies traditionally protect their IPs vigorously, the immense creativity generated by fans is an undeniable asset. This incident prompts us to consider how organizations can navigate this dynamic space with greater foresight, fostering a symbiotic relationship with their fan base rather than inadvertently stepping into contentious territory. It underscores the vital importance of robust internal checks and balances, particularly when sourcing or referencing creative materials, to prevent such incidents from recurring and to safeguard the trust of both artists and consumers alike.