Nintendo(US:NTDOY) 36氪·2025-10-10 13:34Core Viewpoint - Nintendo's legal department is recognized as the strongest in the Eastern Hemisphere due to its strong capabilities, aggressive strategies, and extensive network of allies [3][6]. Group 1: Strength - Nintendo's current market capitalization is approximately $110 billion, making it difficult to lose legal battles at this scale [8]. - Founded in 1889, Nintendo transitioned from a playing card company to a toy manufacturer and eventually to video games, with significant early successes like the "Super Ball" toy generating $10 million in profit [10][11]. - The release of the arcade game "Donkey Kong" in 1981 marked a pivotal moment, earning $180 million in the U.S. market alone [13]. - Nintendo's legal prowess was first demonstrated when it successfully defended against Universal Pictures' lawsuit over the "King Kong" IP, ultimately winning $1.8 million in damages [27]. Group 2: Aggressiveness - Nintendo's legal department is known for its strict enforcement of IP rights, often taking legal action against fans and creators who use its IP without permission [30][31]. - A notable case involved the fan-made remake "AM2R," which was taken down by Nintendo shortly after its release, despite being a free project made out of love for the original game [34][42]. - Nintendo's actions against fan projects illustrate its commitment to protecting its IP, even at the cost of alienating loyal fans [46][47]. Group 3: Network of Allies - Nintendo has leveraged its connections, including the U.S. government, to combat piracy and hacking, as seen in the case against the hacking group Team-Xecuter [55][59]. - The arrest of key members of Team-Xecuter resulted in significant legal consequences, including a $14.5 million restitution order against one of the hackers [56]. - This collaboration with government agencies highlights Nintendo's ability to mobilize resources beyond the typical scope of a gaming company [60][61]. Group 4: Legal Setbacks - Despite its strong legal reputation, Nintendo has faced defeats, notably in patent cases against companies like Magnavox and Philips, which taught it valuable lessons about the importance of patent applications and descriptions [65][72][79]. - The loss to Magnavox in 1985 resulted in a significant payout, emphasizing the need for robust patent strategies [70][71]. - The legal battles with Philips further reinforced the necessity of broad patent descriptions to cover various applications [74][79]. Group 5: Historical Context - Nintendo and Disney have a long history of collaboration, dating back to 1959, which has prevented any significant legal conflicts between the two companies [86][89]. - Both companies have maintained their respective focuses on different types of intellectual properties, reducing the likelihood of future legal disputes [92][93].