Summary
On March 26, The Pokemon Company reportedly renewed the trademarks forPokemon Sun and Moonin Japan, nearly nine years after the games launched on the 3DS. While trademark renewals are sometimes made before a potential announcement, thePokemon Sun and Moonrenewal was likely done as a form of IP protection.
Initially released in 2016 on the 3DS,Pokemon Sun and Moonheralded the seventh mainline generation of the franchise.Pokemon Sun and Moontook players to the tropical Alola region, inspired by the US State of Hawaii, and introduced trainers to a new critter classification called regional variants. Alolan variations of past Pokemon like Meowth, Grimer, and Exeggutor had entirely different appearances and types than their original counterparts.Pokemon Sun and Moonalso introduced Z-Moves as powerful attacksthat could be used once per battle.Pokemon Sun and Moonsaw enhanced re-releases in 2017, titledPokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.
Just a month after the 2025 Pokemon Day event, The Pokemon Company wasted no time renewing a specific trademark. As reported byGoNintendo, Twitter user Necrolipe posted that thePokemon Sun and Moontrademarks were renewed in Japan on March 26. Necrolipe shared a screenshot of thePokemon Sun and Pokemon Moongame trademarks being approved for renewal by Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak, who together form The Pokemon Company.
Pokemon Sun And Moon Trademarks Renewed in Japan
Although trademark renewals are often done before game announcements, they can also be a form of copyright protection ahead of any trademark expiration dates. This follows a recent trend from Nintendo, as the company renewed itstrademarks on its iconic Seal of Quality logoandThe Legend of Zeldagame series in February as a way to protect its properties.
However,Pokemon Sun and Moonare not the only specific games to get a sudden trademark renewal in Japan this month. On March 12,Capcom surprisingly renewed theDino Crisistrademark, despite the late ’90s series being dormant for decades. Two months before Capcom filed for a trademark renewal, a PC port ofDino Crisiswas launched in January 2025 with enhanced visuals and graphics options.
Despite the recent trademark renewal, fans may want to temper their expectations of any news that concernsPokemon Sun and Moon. However, given thata surprise Nintendo Direct will air on March 27and cover various Switch titles, it remains to be seen what will come out of Nintendo’s recent activities.
