This is real — the USPTO did reject Nintendo's patent on the summoning-and-battle mechanic. The article is well-sourced, citing the actual patents the USPTO used to invalidate it (including a 2002 Konami patent covering the same mechanic). The piece is straightforward reporting with good context about what happens next (Nintendo can appeal). One minor gap: it doesn't explain whether USPTO director Squires had any public reason for personally intervening, though the mechanic's obviousness in light of prior art is clear.