Hong Kong-based videogame importer Lik-Sang.com has issued an extraordinary press release informing customers that it has been forced to close due to 'multiple legal actions' issued by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SCEE has been seeking to block the 'grey importation' of Sony hardware into Europe for some time and Lik-Sang is - or was - a major supplier in this area. Lik-Sang's release included this angry quote from Pascal Clarysse, the company's (ex)Marketing Manager:
"Today is Sony Europe victory about PSP, tomorrow is Sony Europe's ongoing pressure about PlayStation 3. With this precedent set, next week could already be the stage for complaints from Sony America about the same thing, or from other console manufacturers about other consoles to other regions, or even from any publisher about any specific software title to any country they don't see fit. It's the beginning of the end... of the World as we know it"
The release also alleges that Sony Europe employees were among Lik-Sang's customers, naming several top-level executives who apparently bought Sony PSPs from the company months before the official UK release. According to Gamesindustry.biz, Sony has countered, calling the press release 'sour grapes' and suggesting that Lik-Sang's naming of customers was in contravention of 'data protection principles around the world'.
Whatever the case, Lik-Sang's allegations are another potential PR setback for Sony. Although most casual consumers will be entirely unaware of the website, hardcore gamers appreciated its reliable service, huge catalogue of Japanese games and, of course, its access to hardware unreleased in the UK. Whoever the finger of blame points at, this is a small but rather sad loss to the industry.
