Sony v Lik-Sang Analysis

I can’t justify Sony choosing to put little Lik-Sang out of business. But I can relate to a company that needs to make the best out of an already bad launch day, millions of units behind schedule and already up to its eyeballs in bad press over other flawed products. It can’t really afford to have DOA units and customers who have no recourse.

Sony is between a rock and a hard place. If it fails to make this launch semi-profitable, it could bleed out. Tick off many more gamers, and there may be nobody in line to buy it. Whether we like it or not, the PS3 is a product and we are consumers, and Sony needs to make sure its product is successful.

bit-tech - Sony v Lik-Sang analysis - A porting shot

Lik-Sang has posted an ‘Out of Business Notice’ on the company website - with (unmoderated) comments and supportive messages from customers and fans - here’s a snippet:

Lik-Sang.com, the popular gaming retailer from Hong Kong, has today announced that it is forced to close down due to multiple legal actions brought against it by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Sony claimed that Lik-Sang infringed its trade marks, copyright and registered design rights by selling Sony PSP consoles from Asia to European customers, and have recently obtained a judgment in the High Court of London (England) rendering Lik-Sang’s sales of PSP consoles unlawful.

Lik-Sang.com - Out of Business due to Multiple Sony Lawsuits

A little more background info from earlier in the week for anyone still wondering what all the fuss is about:

Last week a British judge ruled that Taiwanese import/export firm Lik-Sang could not sell the Japanese version of Sony’s handheld PSP in Europe. The case sets a precedent for would-be importers of PlayStation 3 consoles.

BBC - Sony to Block Euro Imports