Pokemon GO has had a rough couple of weeks lately. Despite being one of the most downloaded mobile apps of all time, the recent update removed many key features that players enjoyed, such as tracking and access to third party applications such as Pokevision. Some players have even gone on to demand refunds for the microtransactions they paid for. Then there is the treasure trove of news stories of people stumbling across dead bodies, passing out from overexertion, and other types of zaniness that have occurred across the globe.
While many have tried to become the very best Pokemon Trainer in the world, Jeffrey Marder, a man from New Jersey, just wants them all to stay off his property. Marder recently filed a class-action lawsuit against Niantic Labs (the developer of Pokemon GO), The Pokemon Company, and Nintendo itself for putting Pokestops and gyms on private property “without the consent of the properties’ owners.” In other words, Marder is suing Pokemon GO for the trespassing of its players.
What Does This Mean?
The lawsuit affects anyone who has had Pokemon GO players pop up in their households or private property. Marder will certainly not be alone on the Plaintiff stand should this lawsuit go to court, but there is always the chance that Niantic/Pokemon/Nintendo could choose to settle the case out of court.
Such a settlement could lead to significantly reduced Pokemon encounters if Niantic curtails their Pokemon spawning to public areas. This could lead to even more people dropping the popular mobile game, which has been on the decline due to sporadic server issues and the aforementioned update. It could also lead to more sponsored Pokestops like McDonalds, which is already something Niantic is working on.
What do you think? Does Niantic and Company have a way to combat this lawsuit? Will Marder be banishing Pokemon from our homes and other private areas? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
