Earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security released a new video titled “Gotta Catch ‘Em All.” It features a variety of footage of members of law enforcement handcuffing people. While that doesn’t sound like anything new, many Pokémon fans have criticized the video and have called on the Pokémon Company to sue due to the use of Pokémon’s signature song and including clips from the animated Pokémon TV series starring everyone’s favorite Pokémon trainer, Ash Ketchum. Many seemed critical, tying Pokémon’s favorite slogan to the current situation with ICE.
Following the release of the video, the Pokémon Company has released an official statement:
“We are aware of a recent video posted by the Department of Homeland Security that includes imagery and language associated with our brand. 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.”
While many have called on the Pokémon Company to launch legal action, the corporation’s former legal chief told IGN that he “wouldn’t touch this.”
“I don’t see them doing anything about this for a few reasons,” Don McGowan, now principal at Extreme Grownup Services, told IGN. “First, think of how little you see [The Pokémon Company International]’s name in the press. They are INSANELY publicity-shy and prefer to let the brand be the brand.
“Second, many of their execs in the USA are on green cards,” he continued. “Even if I was still at the company I wouldn’t touch this, and I’m the most trigger-happy CLO [Chief Legal Officer] I’ve ever met. This will blow over in a couple of days and they’ll be happy to let it.”