Lik-Sang Loses Sony PSP Import Battle

Sony said Thursday that it had prevailed in a so-called "gray importing" case against a Hong Kong-based company who was selling PlayStation Portable gaming systems intended for the Japanese market in Europe. The company, Lik-Sang, sold the systems before the PSP officially launched in the region last September.

At the time, Lik-Sang defended its actions by accusing Sony of attempting to "cut hardcore gamers away from items released in Japan or anywhere else outside their own country," adding "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."

A British High Court judge ruled that Lik-Sang was in violation of intellectual property laws by offering the consoles. The company had maintained that it was operating within the law since it had no presence within the region, and is only based in Hong Kong.

However, Judge Michael Fysh said the lawbreaking occurred within the European region, and not Hong Kong, and it occurred without the consent of Sony. Thus, Fysh upheld the company's charges.

Sony claims it is working in the best interests of the consumer. For example, in the case of the upcoming PS3, which is sure to develop a black market as well, European Blu-ray movies will not play on the Japanese version of the console, it said.

Lik-Sang had no public comment on the ruling available as of press time.

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