Nintendo has taken legal action by requesting a subpoena from a California court. This subpoena, if approved, would compel Discord to disclose the identity of the individual behind the significant Pokemon data leak, dubbed the "FreakLeak" or "TeraLeak," that occurred last year.

According to court documents reviewed by Polygon, Nintendo is seeking a court order to obtain the name, address, phone number, and email address of a Discord user known as "GameFreakOUT." In October of the previous year, GameFreakOUT allegedly shared copyright-protected content, including artwork, characters, source code, and other Pokemon-related materials, on a Discord server called "FreakLeak." These materials were subsequently widely distributed across the internet.

Though not officially confirmed, it is believed that the materials were obtained through a data breach disclosed by Game Freak in August, which was announced in October. The breach compromised the names of 2,606 current, former, and contract employees. Interestingly, the leaked files surfaced online on October 12, and Game Freak's statement, which was backdated to October 10, appeared online the following day. This statement did not mention any confidential company materials beyond employee information.

The leaked materials revealed details about numerous unannounced projects, cut content, background information, and early builds of other Pokemon games. Among the revelations was "Pokemon Champions," an upcoming battle-focused Pokemon game announced in February. Additionally, the leak provided accurate information about "Pokemon Legends: Z-A" and other yet-to-be-verified details about the next generation of Pokemon, source code for various DS Pokemon titles, meeting summaries, and cut lore from "Pokemon Legends: Arceus" and other titles.

While Nintendo has not yet filed a lawsuit against any hacker or leaker, the subpoena suggests they are actively seeking to identify the person responsible. Given Nintendo's history of taking legal action against piracy and patent infringement, if the subpoena is granted, it is likely that further legal action will follow.