NYC Pokémon Store Forced to Change Name After Nintendo Intervention

The Poké Court will now be known as the Trainer Court after Nintendo raised concerns over the store's branding.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Poké Court, a local Pokémon card and collector's shop in Manhattan, was recently robbed at gunpoint during a crowded event. Despite the traumatic incident, the store's owners say the broader Pokémon community rallied to support them. However, Nintendo has now reached out to the store, expressing concerns over its name and logo that included the iconic Poké Ball. As a result, the store will be rebranding as The Trainer Court with a new logo.

Why it matters

Nintendo is known for being protective of its intellectual property and has a history of taking legal action against fan-created Pokémon businesses and events. This case highlights the company's tight control over the Pokémon brand and its willingness to enforce its trademarks, even against small local shops that are clearly passionate about the franchise.

The details

The Poké Court posted on Instagram that Nintendo reached out with 'concerns' about the store's name and logo. As a result, the shop will now be called The Trainer Court and will feature a new logo with a stylized 'C' instead of the Poké Ball. The store will continue to offer the same Pokémon cards, community events, and tournaments, including an upcoming Pokémon Day celebration on February 27.

  • The Poké Court was robbed at gunpoint in January 2026.
  • Nintendo reached out to the store with concerns about its name and logo in February 2026.
  • The Poké Court will be rebranding as The Trainer Court in February 2026.

The players

The Poké Court

A local Pokémon card and collector's shop in Manhattan that was recently robbed at gunpoint.

Nintendo

The Japanese multinational consumer electronics and video game company that owns the Pokémon intellectual property.

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What’s next

The Trainer Court will be hosting a Pokémon Day celebration on February 27, 2026 to commemorate the franchise's 30th anniversary.

The takeaway

This case highlights Nintendo's strict control over the Pokémon brand and its willingness to enforce its trademarks, even against small local businesses that are clearly passionate about the franchise. It serves as a reminder that fan-created Pokémon ventures, no matter how well-intentioned, must navigate the company's intellectual property guidelines to avoid legal action.