In the weeks prior to the release of Pokemon Sword and Shield, several images and information that leaked became rampant on the internet via Discord and 4chan. The leaks that circulated online revealed details about the version exclusive Pokemon and the evolutions of every Pokemon Sword and Shield starter. To address those who have leaked vital information, The Pokemon Company is suing the individuals who are responsible.
In a lawsuit that was revealed on Friday, The Pokemon Company International has hired Perkins Coie law firm to sue four currently unidentified individuals who are Discord users. It is believed that one of them is the primary source of the leak, though The Pokemon Company is still investigating the matter.
Apparently, the leakers who have leaked several pieces of information managed to steal trade secrets from the strategy guide on Discord on November 1. Screenshots of the Discord messages are shown in the lawsuit.
Despite the company selling six million units during its first week, The Pokemon Company is taking a strong stance with this lawsuit. Due to the leak, the game has faced criticism prior to its release, especially when it was leaked that there will be no National Dex in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Nevertheless, Pokemon Sword and Shield remain a massive success for the company.
The Pokemon Company is currently seeking “compensatory damages” for the leakers’ “wrongful conduct,” as well as monetary relief, punitive and exemplary damage, and injunctive. Unfortunately, The Pokemon Company has still yet to find out who the leakers are.