Nintendo Sues Third-Grade Class for Intellectual Property Infringement, Claims Ownership of Paper Mario Art Project

In a bewildering turn of events, Nintendo, the multinational consumer electronics and video game company, has filed a lawsuit against Mrs. Smith’s third-grade class at Petersboro Elementary School, claiming that their Paper Mario art project infringes on the company’s intellectual property rights.

The class of 22 eight-year-olds has found itself embroiled in a legal dispute with one of the world’s largest video game companies over their end-of-term art project, a colorful mural featuring paper cut-outs of the beloved video game character, Mario.

“We were just trying to celebrate the end of the school year with some creative fun,” said Mrs. Smith, the third-grade teacher. “I never imagined we’d end up in a legal battle with Nintendo.”

According to the lawsuit, Nintendo claims the class’s use of the Paper Mario character constitutes “unauthorized use of copyrighted material.” The gaming giant is seeking an undisclosed amount in damages and a court order requiring the removal of the mural.

Legal experts and laypeople alike have expressed bafflement at Nintendo’s decision to sue a third-grade class.

“This is an unprecedented and frankly absurd case,” said IP lawyer Susan All. “Nintendo has always been protective of its intellectual property, but suing a third-grade class is a whole new level of litigious behavior.”

The students, too young to fully comprehend the nuances of intellectual property law, have reacted with a mix of confusion and disappointment. “I just wanted to make Mario look cool,” said Timmy Baker, one of the students involved in the project. “I didn’t know it was bad.”

Nintendo’s decision has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many users criticizing the company’s heavy-handed approach. The hashtag #LetPaperMarioPlay has begun trending, with users sharing images of their own homemade Mario art in solidarity with the third-grade class.

Nintendo has yet to comment on the backlash, but Mrs. Smith’s class remains hopeful. “We just wanted to show our love for Mario,” said Mrs. Smith. “We hope Nintendo can see that and drop this lawsuit.”

As the legal battle unfolds, one thing is clear: This is a game no one expected Nintendo to play.