SCE Brings PSP Legal Action Against Lik-Sang News
Chris Leyton
08/08/2005
It's time for the heavyweight as Sony Computer Entertainment Europe serves a lawsuit against major online importer...
With the European launch of the Sony PSP imminent Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) and its European subsidiary (SCEE) show no signs of letting loose on retailers importing the system, as confirmation has today arrived of legal actions being brought against Lik-Sang.com in the High Court of Hong Kong.
SCEE alleges that its trademark rights have been breached and is seeking an injunction to prevent the leading online retailer from selling or offering systems, games and accessories to customers in the UK and European Economic Area (EEA).
In addition SCEE claims further copyright infringement and damages from Lik-Sang posting the freely available PSP manual on the news section of Lik.Sang.com during June. Having warned of legal action on June 14th Lik-Sang complied fully with the publisherâs wishes and removed the manual immediately.
Lik-Sang claims complete surprise of the lawsuit, claiming that the laws of Hong Kong are clear when it comes to parallel trade and alleging that legislation is based on the fact that allowing parallel and free trade will restore natural competition and benefit consumers with lower prices.
Lik-Sangâs parent company, Pacific Game Technology (Holding) Limited, is fully registered in Hong Kong and has no ties to the UK. The company is currently looking into available options to combat Sonyâs âcynical attempt to disrupt the successful online business again,â as Lik-Sang alleges its seeks to gain total market control and garner publicity.
"Lik-Sang's sales are an unlawful interference with Sony's economic interests", stated Sony's legal correspondence. The case relies on Sony's claim, that Lik-Sang.com has advertised the PlayStation Portable products in a "dishonest manner". Lik-Sang.com will do its best to fight Sony's powers and appreciates any support from employees, friends and even customers.
"This is the most aggressive move against its own customers that a console manufacturer has ever taken in the 30 year history of videogames", says Pascal Clarysse, Marketing Manager for Lik-Sang.com. "Sony wants to completely cut hardcore gamers away from items released in Japan or anywhere else outside their own country. A very active part of the gaming community has been enjoying Japanese gaming culture for over two decades, and that's what the Empire is now willing to destroy."
Daily business is unaffected by this lawsuit. Customers in the UK and elsewhere don't have to worry about negative side effects or disruption of service. Shipping, Customer Support and Ordering Processing are fully operational and Lik-Sang.com remains open as usual. The sites news section will be updated as soon as the situation evolves.
Weâll have further updates from the situation soonâ¦