Pokémon Company International has condemned the White House for using its imagery, specifically its iconic creation, Pikachu, in a meme posted online about MAGA (Make America Great Again). The company has claimed that the White House did not seek permission of any kind for the use of the imagery. This is not the first time that the company has called out the Trump Administration. Mostly, this has been for using its intellectual property without prior permission.
Pokémon reacts to White House using Pikachu’s image
Pokémon Company International has reacted after the White House used Pikachu’s image in a meme posted online. It was accompanied by the phrase “Make America Great Again”. The company called out the White House for using their intellectual property without prior permission.
“We were not involved in its creation or distribution, and no permission was granted for the use of our intellectual property,” Pokemon spokesperson Sravanthi Dev said. “Our mission is to bring the world together, and that mission is not affiliated with any political viewpoint or agenda,” she added, clarifying the company’s stance on the matter.
This is not the first instance of Pokémon calling out Donald Trump’s White House for violations (via BBC). Previously, Pokémon called out the administration for using their intellectual property in promoting the deportation drives. Pokémon has not clarified if it plans to pursue further legal actions against the White House.
When the BBC contacted the White House about this, they dismissed it, saying Pokémon had a political bias.
This new meme in question is from Pokopia, the latest game from the company. The “Make America Great Again” caption seems to be written in a similar font to the game. Moreover, a Pikachu pops in from behind the “e.”
Many brands and artists have recently come up with similar complaints against the White House. In the complaints, they have alleged that the online handle of the Trump Administration used their content without permission.
