Pokémon Company Slams US Government for Unauthorized Use of Intellectual Property
The Pokémon Company has strongly condemned the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for using its iconic theme song and footage in a video promoting deportation raids without permission. The video, posted on social media platforms, features Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arresting migrants alongside Pokémon-themed graphics, including mock trading cards with detainee mugshots and alleged crimes.
The Controversial Video
The video, captioned “Gotta Catch ‘Em All,” was set to the Pokémon anime’s theme song and showed ICE officers arresting people interspersed with images of Pokémon protagonist Ash Ketchum throwing a Poké Ball. The video ends with custom Pokémon trading cards featuring photos of people arrested and their alleged crimes. The video has amassed almost 70 million views on X and 8.2 million views on TikTok.
Pokémon Company’s Response
In a statement given to Variety, The Pokémon Company International confirmed it was not involved in the video’s creation or distribution and did not grant permission for the use of its intellectual property. “We are aware of a recent video posted by the Department of Homeland Security that includes imagery and language associated with our brand,” the company said. “Our company was not involved in the creation or distribution of this content, and permission was not granted for the use of our intellectual property” ¹ ².
Backlash and Concerns
Many Pokémon fans online reacted with anger and protest, urging The Pokémon Company to sue the US government. Some expressed concern that the video trivializes enforcement and raises questions about copyright infringement. The video’s production choices, featuring bright music, anime scenes, and trading card-style profiles, shocked many who felt it made light of a serious area of law and people’s lives ³.
Other Artists Speak Out
This isn’t the first time the DHS has faced criticism for using artistic content without permission. Other artists, including Theo Von, Jay-Z, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Ethel Cain, Sophie Thatcher, and Boy Harsher, have also spoken out against ICE and DHS in recent months. Some have even taken legal action, such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, which issued a cease-and-desist notice to DHS after a recruitment video included their music ¹ ².
Implications and Reactions
The video has sparked debate over the appropriateness of using pop culture in official messaging. Critics argue that it trivializes the complex issues surrounding immigration enforcement and raises concerns about tone, transparency, and protection of human dignity. Community groups report increased fear and avoidance of public spaces after viral enforcement content.
Advocates have urged DHS to:
- Remove the Video: Take down the video and apologize to impacted communities
- Provide Transparency: Release transparent figures and operational details about immigration arrests
- Focus on Due Process: Pair arrest announcements with information about legal process and rights during arrest
Conclusion
The Pokémon Company’s response highlights the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and considering the impact of government messaging on vulnerable communities. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether DHS will respond to the criticism and take steps to address the concerns raised
