Pokémon TCG Pocket's latest expansion just dropped, with extra controversy
The original artist @lanjiujiu shared a post on X, and it's easy to see the similarities even at a glance. Although this isn't proof that assets were stolen (and Lanjiujiu made a statement asserting that), it was enough to raise eyebrows — and enough for Pokémon TCG Pocket to pull the art in favor of placeholders.
The team released a statement addressing the concerns just after midnight this morning. 'After internal review, we discovered that the card production team provided incorrect reference materials as official documents to the illustrator commissioned to create these cards. As a result, both cards have been replaced with a temporary placeholder that the team is actively working to replace with new artwork as soon as it's ready.'
We'd like to share an update about the upcoming expansion in #PokemonTCGPocket. pic.twitter.com/W2GdG8Wv5n — Pokémon TCG Pocket (@PokemonTCGP) July 30, 2025
That said, the situation isn't totally clear. There are indications that the original artwork was a commission from the Pokémon Company, in which case it likely already owns the art. Another consideration is that the legal terms of use stipulate the Pokémon Company potentially has the right to use fan art without notifying the original creator.
Recommended Videos
The legal statement reads, 'Distribution in any form and any channels now known or in the future of derivative works based on the copyrighted property trademarks, service marks, trade names and other proprietary property (Fan Art) of The Pokémon Company International, Inc., its affiliates and licensors (Pokémon) constitutes a royalty-free, non-exclusive, irrevocable, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide license from the Fan Art's creator to Pokémon to use, transmit, copy, modify, and display Fan Art (and its derivatives) for any purpose. No further consideration or compensation of any kind will be given for any Fan Art.'
In other words, feel free to enjoy the game and its expansions, but be aware that any art you share might one day be used without credit to you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Salt-N-Pepa speak out about lawsuit against Universal Music Group
The women behind Salt-N-Pepa, the history-making female hip-hop group, claim that Universal Music Group has removed some of their biggest hits from streaming platforms amid a legal battle. Cheryl "Salt" James and Sandra "Pepa" Denton said in a new interview with "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts that their fans are not able to hear some of their music amid the lawsuit, in which the singers claim Universal Music Group is allegedly denying them the rights to the master recordings of their early music, including hits like "Push It." "It just keeps us from re-releasing our music -- promotin' it," Denton told Roberts in the interview, which aired Monday on "GMA." Denton and James claim that Universal is allegedly violating federal copyright law by refusing to allow them to exercise their so-called "termination rights," which allows artists to reclaim the copyright to their original recordings after a period of time, according to the U.S. Copyright Office. "When you're an artist, in the beginning, you sign a contract saying that the copyrights will revert back to you after 35 years," James said. "And we've done all the things legally to get our copyrights back. But they're just refusing, so we had to sue them." "It's the law. That's what it really boils down to. It's the law," Denton added. The Grammy Award-winning duo filed the lawsuit against Universal Music Group in May in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Universal Music Group has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming in part that Salt-N-Pepa cannot exercise their "termination rights" because they were not the ones who signed the relevant contract. The company declined to comment to ABC News citing the active litigation. Salt-N-Pepa's Cheryl James and Sandra Denton talk new biopic and reveal secret to their yearslong friendship Denton and James told Roberts that they are the artists, and they believe the copyright law is meant to "protect the artists." "We didn't have that leverage. We didn't have that knowledge. We didn't have that control in the '80s. And so, to be held to a contract from 1985, and 40 years later, it's, like, ridiculous," said James. Denton said she believes Universal Music Group is allegedly holding onto their music because they know its "worth." "Obviously, it's something. They wanna keep it. They wanna hold onto it. And they're tryin' to fight us," she claimed. "So, obviously, they understand what's the worth of that." Salt-N-Pepa talk about new Lifetime biopic The duo's lawsuit against Universal Music Group comes as they are preparing for a high point in their career, receiving the Musical Influence Award at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony this November. Salt-N-Pepa will make history as the first hip-hop act to receive the coveted award. "It's an amazing feeling, because ... it's for your music, not just one hit," Denton said of the honor. "It's about your journey, your legacy, what you have done, you know, the influence that you had ... 40 years and we're still here." Amid both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honor and the ongoing lawsuit, the boundary-breaking artists told Roberts they want to be remembered for staying true to who they are. "Authenticity, especially in art, I think, leads to longevity. And I feel like that's a big part of why people took to Salt-N-Pepa, because we are authentic," James said. "And I wanna inspire women, inspire and encourage women to be themselves, to go for it, you know? And to not be afraid to knock down barriers in the workplace, in the world, whatever you're doing. Just be strong." Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Snow Man's ‘SERIOUS' at No. 1, J-pop Summer Staples Rise on Japan Hot 100
Snow Man's 'SERIOUS' bows at No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, on the chart dated July 30. The 12th single by the nine-member boy band is being featured as the theme song for the new Stigmatized Properties: Possession horror movie starring Snow Man member Shota Watanabe, which hit domestic theaters last Friday (July 25). The track launched with 909,496 CDs to rule sales, and the group scores its tenth No. 1 hit on the Japan Hot 100. More from Billboard Katy Perry Fan Collapses on Stage During Lifetimes Tour Stop in Detroit Roger Daltrey Labels Zak Starkey's Exit Comments 'Character Assassination' Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst Attends His Own Lookalike Concert in Nebraska HANA's 'Blue Jeans' slips a notch to No. 2 after debuting at No. 1 last week. The track rules streaming for the second week in a row, while coming in at No. 11 for sales and No. 4 for downloads. The breakout seven-member girl group has five songs charting on the tally this week, with 'ROSE' at No. 9, 'Burning Flower' at No. 17, 'Tiger' at No. 23, and 'Drop' at No. 29. CUTIE STREET's new song 'Kyuu ni stop dekimasen!' follows at No. 3. The track had been available digitally since May 7, but soared on the tally after the CD version dropped July 23 and sold 505,909 copies in its first week. The latest single by the eight-member ASOBISYSTEM girl group comes in at No. 2 for sales and No. 37 for video views. Mrs. GREEN APPLE's 'Carrying Happiness' rises 10-4 this week, hitting No. 1 for radio airplay. Streams for the Tokyo Disney Resort summer event theme song is up to 132% from last week and video views to 222%. LiSA's 'Zankoku na yoru ni kagayake' (English title: 'Shine in the Cruel Night') hits No. 5, breaking into the top 10 from No. 39. This is one of the two theme songs gracing the blockbuster animated movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle — Part 1: Akaza Returns alongside Aimer's 'Taiyo ga Noboranai Sekai' (English title: 'A World Where the Sun Never Rises,' at No. 8 this week). The digital version was released on July 19 and the CD dropped on the 23rd. The latest Kimetsu collab by the 'Homura' songstress rules downloads, while coming in at No. 7 for sales, No. 14 for streaming, No. 6 for radio, and No. 17 for video. In other chart news, J-pop summer staples are back on the Japan Hot 100. YUI's 'SUMMER SONG' (2010) rises 41-38, aiko's 'Hanabi' (1990) jumps 80-52, Keisuke Kuwata's 'Naminori Johnny' ('Johnny Surfer,' 2002) is at No. 73, Kuwata-led Southern All Stars' classic 'Manatsu no Kajitsu' (1990) is at No. 84, and Yuzu's 'Natsuiro' is at No. 86. The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data. See the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, tallying the week from July 21 to 27, here. For more on Japanese music and charts, visit Billboard Japan's English X account. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100 Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
6 hours ago
- Forbes
5 Spots That Show Why Minato City Is Tokyo's Must‑Visit Food District
Minato City is a special ward in Tokyo located along Tokyo Bay. Neighborhoods within the area include Aoyama, Shiba, Roppongi, and Azabu. It's an upscale, wealthy enclave known for designer boutiques, high-end art, lush greenery, and most importantly, some of Tokyo's best eats. Umi This two-Michelin-starred restaurant specializes in edomae sushi and is revered by serious fish connoisseurs for its perfectly balanced rice, vinegar and fish. Located in Minami Aoyama, not far from Gaien-mae Station, Umi has retained its stars for over a decade. Expect an omakase menu that includes not only sushi but a range of seasonal dishes. The chef is both skilled and personable, and with only ten seats available, reservations are essential. Chef's Theatre Chef's Theatre inside Mesm Tokyo, one of the world's most stylish and design-forward hotels, offers a festive open kitchen environment featuring bistronomy-style French cuisine led by head chef Kouki Kumamoto. Many dishes are themed around activating all five senses using seasonal Tokyo ingredients. Dishes are story-based and inspired by the local environment, from the lush Hamarikyu Gardens to the glittering nightlife of Harajuku. One standout is the high tea program called Afternoon Exhibition, which changes seasonally, with elegant bites inspired by individual pieces of art. The current prix fixe dinner includes options such as pan-seared wagyu beef, asparagus and prawn charlotte and roasted duck with spring vegetable tart. Tofuya Ukai The aesthetic of Tofuya Ukai is reminiscent of the Edo period, 200 years ago. Located beneath Tokyo Tower, guests are encouraged to arrive early to explore its expansive Japanese gardens, complete with pine trees and koi ponds. This is a tofu-focused kaiseki experience with elaborate dishes crafted from spring water and premium soybeans. A multicourse meal might include tosui-tofu (tofu in a dashi-infused soymilk soup), artisan bean curd in hotpots or age-dengaku (fried tofu cooked over wood charcoal). Meals run at least three hours and are served inside a traditional Japanese house with tatami floors and garden views. For the best value, book a lunch reservation. Go now, this institution will permanently close its doors on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Ramen Jiro Mita Honten A cult favorite, this is the original location of the now-chain Ramen Jiro. Known for unapologetically over-the-top bowls, it's as controversial as it is beloved. Some call it ramen's version of fast food—massive portions, fatty cuts of chashu and a bold, salty broth made with the shop's own soy sauce. Unlike more refined ramen shops, bowls here are chaotic and intentionally excessive. Mita Honten—the original location—is a tiny shop, but worth the visit. Bonus points if you can finish the entire bowl. Miyachiku Takeshiba Located inside the WATERS Takeshiba complex, Miyachiku Takeshiba specializes in Miyazaki beef, considered by many to be the best in Japan. Choose from teppanyaki counter seats, sofa seating or private rooms with luxurious views of Tokyo Bay. The drink list is extensive, with selections from the Miyazaki Prefecture, including rare sake, cocktails, wines and French champagnes. A teppanyaki dinner might include Miyazaki beef loin, appetizers, grilled fish, vegetables, rice, dessert and post-meal beverages. Tsukiiji Market Tour For a morning excursion just outside Minato City, sign up for Arigato Travel's Tsukiji Market breakfast tour. It begins with a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring sweet grilled fish, miso soup and rice, followed by bites from market stalls like freshly shucked oysters, sliced tuna and Japanese sweets. Along the way, a local guide shares background on the market's history and leads a stop at a nearby shrine. Expect a family-style lunch experience after the tour with the freshest picks of the morning shared among guests.
