Nintendo has initiated legal action against Human Things, the company known for manufacturing accessories for Nintendo Switch consoles under the brand name Genki.
According to statements from Nintendo`s representatives, Human Things is accused of infringing trademark rights, engaging in acts that violate fair competition standards, and distributing misleading advertising information. Nintendo claims the owner of Genki committed these violations by publishing and sharing computer-generated images (renders) of the yet-to-be-officially-announced Switch 2 console with journalists. Nintendo alleges that the head of Human Things consistently presented this material as if they possessed authentic information regarding the device`s appearance. Furthermore, the lawsuit highlights a post by a Genki employee on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which featured photos accompanied by the caption: “Genki ninjas infiltrated Nintendo`s Kyoto headquarters,” despite the company having no actual access to the Japanese corporation`s offices. Nintendo`s legal team contends that Human Things` actions were intended to deceive the public by suggesting they had a legitimate connection with the manufacturer of the Switch 2.
The lawsuit demands that Genki destroy all products designed for both the current Switch and the anticipated Switch 2. It also seeks to prohibit the company from using Nintendo`s trademarks and requests compensation for all damages incurred, potentially amounting to up to three times the actual losses. The precise date when the lawsuit was filed was not specified, however, Human Things is required to provide a formal response within 30 days of being served.
Finley Holt