Hugely successful games attract lawsuits. Pokémon Go has been hugely successful and, predictably, has attracted a lawsuit.
In a recently filed class action, a plaintiff has alleged that a number of the GPS coordinates that Defendants had designated as Pokéstops and Pokémon gyms were, in fact, on or directly adjacent to private property, and that Defendants had placed these Pokéstops and Pokémon gyms without the consent of the properties' owners.
The legal claims asserted are nuisance and unjust enrichment. Interestingly, the complaint does not allege trespass. It is also interesting that Plaintiff alleges that "at least five individuals knocked on Plaintiff's door, informed Plaintiff that there was a Pokémon in his backyard, and asked for access to Plaintiff's backyard in order to "catch" the Pokémon." The complaint is silent as to what Plaintiff told these players and, if denied permission, whether they left the property.
The complaint also lacks any specificity as to what, if any, damages Plaintiff sustained.
As AR applications continue to enjoy success, other legal issues will likely arise. It is best to do a legal review before releasing such apps.
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