- An Iowa man, Kyle Owens, is suing Nintendo and Pokémon Company International for $341,000, alleging he was denied "Pokémon Professor" status due to a background check.
- Owens claims he initially scored 100 per cent on the professorship test but was later informed his application was denied after a background check revealed a pending arrest warrant from 2022.
- The warrant was for misdemeanor charges including disorderly conduct, possessing an offensive weapon, and criminal mischief, for which he failed to appear in court.
- The lawsuit alleges that the companies violated federal antitrust laws and that the rationale for his rejection changed from an old felony to the misdemeanor charges, which did not have guilty findings.
- Owens is seeking damages and an injunction to be awarded the certification, access to official tools, and the ability to host Pokémon events, arguing that the denial reduces competition.
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