"We are aware of recent social content that includes imagery associated with our brand. We were not involved in its creation or distribution, and no permission was granted for the use of our intellectual property. Our mission is to bring the world together, and that mission is not affiliated with any political viewpoint or agenda."
"The Trump administration has been relying on video game iconography and memes to spread its hateful rhetoric, and this is the second time it's used Pokémon to do so, following a viral video using the original anime's theme song with footage of ICE agents arresting people."
The White House created an image using a Pokémon font generator to display a political slogan, incorporating Pokémon imagery without permission. The Pokémon Company responded with a statement clarifying they were not involved in the post's creation or distribution and did not authorize use of their intellectual property. The company emphasized its mission to bring the world together is not affiliated with any political viewpoint or agenda. This marks the second instance of the Trump administration using Pokémon imagery for political purposes, following a previous viral video combining the original anime's theme song with footage of ICE agents. Other video game franchises including Stardew Valley and Call of Duty have similarly been appropriated for political messaging.
#pokemon-company #political-imagery-misuse #intellectual-property #video-game-appropriation #brand-distancing
Read at Kotaku
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