Pokémon Store Rebrands After $100K Robbery and Nintendo Trademark Request

A New York City Pokémon store has undergone a significant transformation following both a high-profile armed robbery and a request from Nintendo to change its name due to trademark concerns. The retailer, formerly known as the Poké Court, is now operating as The Trainer Court after losing approximately $100,000 worth of cards and merchandise in a January heist that made national headlines.

The Trainer Court update on Instagram The name change comes after Nintendo reached out to the store's owner with concerns about the use of trademarked branding, specifically the "Poké" prefix and the Poké Ball logo that previously appeared in the store's signage. In an update posted to both the store's website and Instagram account, the business explained that the timing aligned with plans for new initiatives in 2026, making it an opportune moment to evolve the brand.

"The short story is that Nintendo reached out to us with concerns about our name and logo," the store stated. "As we also have some new and exciting things planned for this year, we've decided to take this opportunity to evolve."

While the rebranding represents a significant change for the local business, The Trainer Court will continue to operate much as before. The store will still sell the same Pokémon TCG cards and other collectibles that made it popular with collectors and enthusiasts. Additionally, the business plans to expand its community events, suggesting the name change won't impact its core operations or customer experience.

The new green-and-white signage should help avoid any confusion with Nintendo's intellectual property, addressing the trademark concerns that prompted the change. This rebranding effort comes at a challenging time for the business, which is still recovering from the January robbery that targeted its valuable inventory.

The situation has sparked debate within the gaming community about Nintendo's approach to protecting its trademarks. On one hand, Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures Inc. hold copyrights that include the "Poké" prefix, and using trademarked elements like the Poké Ball in commercial signage does carry legal risks. Many businesses operate in a gray area with such branding without attracting corporate attention.

However, critics argue that Nintendo's response seems particularly unsympathetic given the circumstances. The high-profile nature of the robbery likely brought the store to Nintendo's attention in a way that might not have occurred otherwise. Some fans believe Nintendo could have taken a more supportive approach, especially considering that local stores like The Trainer Court play an important role in promoting the Pokémon IP and building community around the franchise.

This incident fits into a broader pattern of Nintendo's aggressive trademark and copyright enforcement. The gaming giant has previously pursued legal action against other Pokémon-related businesses and even targeted the developers of Palworld over alleged patent infringement. In that case, The Pokémon Company claimed Pocketpair's open-world survival title infringed on gameplay mechanics, though critics have argued that some of these mechanics are too generic to be protected under patent law.

The Trainer Court's situation highlights the complex relationship between large gaming companies and the local businesses that help build and maintain fan communities. While trademark protection is important for intellectual property rights, the timing and nature of Nintendo's request have left some fans questioning whether a more collaborative approach might have been appropriate, particularly given the store's recent robbery and its role in the Pokémon collecting community.

Despite these challenges, The Trainer Court appears committed to moving forward with its new identity while maintaining the same level of service and community engagement that made it a destination for Pokémon enthusiasts in New York City. The store's ability to adapt to these circumstances while continuing to serve its customer base demonstrates the resilience of local gaming retailers in an increasingly digital marketplace.