PSP importers taken to court

As independent retailers across the UK continue to defy Cease and Desist orders issued by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe over the sale of import PSP consoles, the Japanese giant has begun court proceedings.

GamesIndustry.biz has obtained a copy of the legal document put together by Sony's lawyers, which refers to the trade marks 'PS', 'PLAYSTATION' and the controller symbols.

The document alleges that: "The defendant has infringed each of the claimant's said trade marks by using, without the consent of the claimants, in the course of trade in the United Kingdom, signs identical to the said trade marks."

"By reason of the aforesaid, the claimants have suffered loss and damage."

The document goes on to request an inquiry into damages payable and the confiscation of goods and materials. It also demands the names and addresses of both those who supplied the stock and those who purchased PSPs from the retailer.

In addition, Sony has informed retailers that its lawyers are preparing an application for an interim injunction to stop the sale of import PSPs in the run-up to the console's European launch, scheduled for September 1. It has offered to cancel the application if retailers agree to cease trading.

It's not yet known how many retailers will back down in the face of Sony's latest legal moves. However Dan Morelle, MD of online retailer ElectricBirdLand, who has previously taken a strong stance against Sony, has already announced his intention to defend EBL's actions in court.

No date for the case has yet been set.