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The Pokémon Company Demands US$4,000 From Party Planner to Settle Lawsuit

The Pokémon Company International (TPCi) is demanding US$4,000 in legal fees from Ramar Larkin Jones after filing a lawsuit against him and fellow Seattle resident Zach Shore for organizing a Pokémon-themed party in August that allegedly infringed upon TPCi's copyright.

Jones told technology news site Geekwire that he "thought it was a scare tactic. I thought once the party was canceled there would be nothing more about this. I'm shocked."

Jones claimed that he has been losing money on the parties ever since he started organizing them in 2011. He said he made US$500 off of ticket sales for this year's event, but said he spent US$450 on hiring a DJ and acquiring gift cards, and spent more on decorations, a Kindle Fire that he would have offered as a prize, and a cash prize to the winner of a Super Smash Bros. tournament.

Jones told Geekwire that TPCi's lawyers are willing to settle the case if he pays US$4,000 in legal fees within 45 days. Jones, who manages a cafe, asked to pay the amount in a year, but he said that TPCi's legal team are pressing the 45-day deadline. He said that he did not have "anywhere close" to that amount of money.

Jones has launched a crowdfunding campaign at GoFundMe to cover the cost. As of press time, the campaign has reached the goal at US$4,082.

Seattle residents Ramar Larking Jones and Zach Shore attempted to organize the "5th Annual Unofficial Pokémon PAX Kickoff Party." The party would have taken place at the 500 East restaurant and bar on August 27, on the eve of the local Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) Prime convention on August 28.

TPCi's complaint cited the event's poster, its Facebook promotion, and its advertised activities as the infringing elements. The event's poster used images of the copyrighted Pokémon characters Pikachu and Snivy, and the event had also previously used Pikachu's image to promote the event on Facebook. The complaint also noted that the event would have featured, among other things, "Pokémon themed shots and drinks, Smash Bros. Tournament with cash prize, Dancing, Giveaways, Cosplay Contest and more," as well as an "AMAZIN POKEMON MASHUP."

TPCi's complaint noted that it aims to "put an end to and obtain redress for [Jones and Shore's] blatant and willful infringement of TPCi's copyrights." Ruckus Productions, a business entity that Jones and Shore run, is also listed as a defendant beside both individuals. TPCi sought damages, attorney's fees, and an order to stop future instances of the event.

[Via Ars Technica]