Nintendo Wins Damages from Genki Over 3D-Printed Switch 2
▼ Summary
– Nintendo has settled its lawsuit against accessory maker Geniki over a Switch 2 mockup and related promotional activities.
– Genki’s parent company will pay Nintendo an undisclosed amount in damages and agreed to stop using names confusingly similar to Nintendo’s intellectual property.
– The dispute began after Genki showcased an accurate Switch 2 mockup and promoted accessories before the console’s official announcement.
– Nintendo had accused Genki of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising regarding the Switch 2.
– Under the settlement, Genki can still reference Nintendo branding in a nominative fair use manner for verified compatibility or affiliation claims.
Nintendo has successfully resolved its legal dispute with accessory manufacturer Genki concerning the unauthorized use of Switch 2 branding and the creation of a detailed mockup ahead of the console’s official announcement. The settlement, confirmed through court documents filed this week, requires Genki’s parent company, Human Things, to pay an undisclosed sum in damages and to cease using product names that could be mistaken for Nintendo’s intellectual property.
The conflict originated in January when Genki displayed a remarkably precise 3D-printed model of the unreleased Switch 2 at CES, complete with official logos, just days before Nintendo’s own unveiling. Alongside the physical replica, the company began advertising a line of accessories explicitly named for the unannounced system, prompting swift legal action from the gaming giant.
In a formal complaint filed in May, Nintendo accused Genki of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising. The company asserted it had not shared any technical specifications for the upcoming console with Genki and suggested the accessory maker may have acquired an early unit through improper means. Alternatively, Nintendo argued, Genki could not legitimately claim compatibility with a product that had not yet been revealed to the public.
While the exact financial details of the settlement remain confidential, Genki has formally stated that it did not gain access to an actual Switch 2 device prior to its official announcement. The origins of the convincingly detailed 3D-printed model continue to be unclear.
Nintendo’s initial filing also highlighted additional trademark concerns, citing product names like “Genki Direct” and “Genki Glitch 2” as examples of branding that could mislead consumers by evoking Nintendo’s own intellectual property. The company expressed concern that such tactics exploited the trust of dedicated fans and created market confusion.
Under the terms of the new agreement, Genki may still reference Nintendo trademarks in a limited capacity, but only when making legitimate compatibility claims or identifying its products as third-party accessories designed for use with Nintendo systems. This “nominative fair use” provision allows for accurate consumer information while protecting against misleading branding practices.
(Source: The Verge)
