Sony takes PSP fight overseas

Hong Kong-based online game trader Lik-Sang has reacted angrily to the announcement Sony has started legal action against the company in the High Court of Hong Kong for selling PSP consoles into Europe.

"This is the most aggressive move against its own customers that a console manufacturer has ever taken in the 30 year history of videogames", said Pascal Clarysse, Lik-Sang.com’s MD. "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."

Sony alleges Lik-Sang.com has breached its trademark rights by offering Japanese PSPs for UK buyers and is trying to prevent the company from selling consoles, games and accessories into the UK and Europe.

The case is part of Sony Europe’s ongoing campaign to stop people importing PSPs prior to the official European launch. It’s previously written to hundreds of companies in the UK as well as eBay traders to make sure it could halt imports. Most stopped but two online sellers based in the UK, ElectricBirdLand and Nuplayer didn’t and have since been successfully taken to court, although ElectricBirdLand’s case remaining ongoing.

Lik-Sang remains defiant however and says its daily business remains unaffected and it will do its best to fight Sony’s legal attempt.