Published on: March 05, 2025
Nintendo Clinches Victory in Counterfeit Amiibo Lawsuit Against Amazon Sellers
Nintendo has secured a significant legal victory in its ongoing efforts to protect intellectual property, winning a major lawsuit against sellers of counterfeit amiibo products on Amazon.
The case, which culminated in early March 2025, demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to defending its brand integrity across major retail platforms such as the Amazon marketplace.
Background on the Counterfeit Amiibo Case
The suit originally began following actions by Amazon in October 2023, when the e-commerce giant preemptively shut down the accounts of two sellers accused of distributing fake Nintendo products.
This case centered on unauthorized amiibo—collectible NFC-enabled figurines compatible with the Nintendo Switch and select Nintendo 3DS titles, revered for unlocking special features and in-game content within popular franchises like Super Smash Bros., Animal Crossing, and The Legend of Zelda.
Judge Awards Over $7 Million to Nintendo
U.S.
District Judge Marsha J.
Pechman of the Seattle district court issued a default judgment in favor of Nintendo, awarding the company approximately $7,030,158 in damages.
The court also implemented a permanent injunction, barring the involved sellers from manufacturing, advertising, or selling counterfeit Nintendo items or any products that infringe on Nintendo’s trademarks, specifically naming activities on Amazon's marketplace.
A clear summary from the court order stated that the sellers are permanently restrained from any further creation or sale of counterfeit Nintendo products or items infringing upon Nintendo’s intellectual property.
Ongoing Enforcement of Nintendo's Trademarks
This decision marks another legal milestone for Nintendo, a company renowned not only for best-selling hardware like the Nintendo Switch but also for its vigilant protection of brand assets amid rising counterfeit activity worldwide.
In recent months, Nintendo has also prevailed in legal battles against online file-sharing services in France, underlining a broader effort to combat piracy and unauthorized distribution of its games and merchandise.
Implications for Consumers and Retail Platforms
By securing this judgment, Nintendo sends a resounding message to both counterfeiters and retail platforms regarding the enforcement of intellectual property rights.
This case further emphasizes the responsibilities shared by platforms like Amazon to promptly address reports of suspicious or infringing goods—a move that benefits both companies and consumers seeking genuine products.
As Nintendo continues to innovate through its hardware and software, maintaining brand security remains a core tenet of its business strategy.
Players, collectors, and Nintendo Switch owners should remain vigilant and verify product authenticity, especially when shopping online via third-party retailers.
For ongoing updates on Nintendo’s legal actions, amiibo releases, and latest news from the eShop and Nintendo Direct presentations, stay tuned to reliable industry sources.