Lik-Sang going out of business due to Sony lawsuits
10-24-06, 10:18 AM
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Lik-Sang going out of business due to Sony lawsuits
http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3901
I never ordered from them, and I don't import games, so it won't affect me. But I'm sure this is a loss for those who imported games. Seems like Sony just shut down a valuable service to their customers.
Important Notice: Lik-Sang.com Out of Business due to Multiple Sony Lawsuits
Tue Oct 24 2006 21:58:51 Hong Kong Time - Corporate Info
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - OUT OF BUSINESS NOTICE
Hong Kong, October 24th of 2006 - 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.
As of today, Lik-Sang.com will not be in the position to accept any new orders and will cancel and refund all existing orders that have already been placed. Furthermore, Lik-Sang is working closely with banks and PayPal to refund any store credits held by the company, and the customer support department is taking care of any open transactions such as pending RMAs or repairs and shipping related matters. The staff of Lik-Sang will make sure that nobody will get hurt in the crossfire of this ordeal.
A Sony spokesperson declined to comment directly on the lawsuit against Lik-Sang, but recently went on to tell Gamesindustry.biz that "ultimately, we're trying to protect consumers from being sold hardware that does not conform to strict EU or UK consumer safety standards, due to voltage supply differences et cetera; is not - in PS3's case - backwards compatible with either PS1 or PS2 software; will not play European Blu-Ray movies or DVDs; and will not be covered by warranty".
Lik Sang strongly disagrees with Sony's opinion that their customers need this kind of protection and pointed out that PSP consoles shipped from Lik-Sang contained genuine Sony 100V-240V AC Adapters that carry CE and other safety marks and are compatible world wide. All PSP consoles were in conformity with all EU and UK consumer safety regulations.
Furthermore, Sony have failed to disclose to the London High Court that not only the world wide gaming community in more than 100 countries relied on Lik-Sang for their gaming needs, but also Sony Europe's very own top directors repeatedly got their Sony PSP hard or software imports in nicely packed Lik-Sang parcels with free Lik-Sang Mugs or Lik-Sang Badge Holders, starting just two days after Japan's official release, as early as 14th of December 2004 (more than nine months earlier than the legal action). The list of PSP related Sony Europe orders reads like the who's who of the videogames industry, and includes Ray Maguire (Managing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Alan Duncan (UK Marketing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Chris Sorrell (Creative Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Rob Parkin (Development Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited), just to name a few.
"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", stated Pascal Clarysse, formerly known as the Marketing Manager of Lik-Sang.com.
"Blame it on Sony. That's the latest dark spot in their shameful track record as gaming industry leader. The Empire finally 'won', few dominating retailers from the UK probably will rejoice the news, but everybody else in the gaming world lost something today."
Tue Oct 24 2006 21:58:51 Hong Kong Time - Corporate Info
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - OUT OF BUSINESS NOTICE
Hong Kong, October 24th of 2006 - 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.
As of today, Lik-Sang.com will not be in the position to accept any new orders and will cancel and refund all existing orders that have already been placed. Furthermore, Lik-Sang is working closely with banks and PayPal to refund any store credits held by the company, and the customer support department is taking care of any open transactions such as pending RMAs or repairs and shipping related matters. The staff of Lik-Sang will make sure that nobody will get hurt in the crossfire of this ordeal.
A Sony spokesperson declined to comment directly on the lawsuit against Lik-Sang, but recently went on to tell Gamesindustry.biz that "ultimately, we're trying to protect consumers from being sold hardware that does not conform to strict EU or UK consumer safety standards, due to voltage supply differences et cetera; is not - in PS3's case - backwards compatible with either PS1 or PS2 software; will not play European Blu-Ray movies or DVDs; and will not be covered by warranty".
Lik Sang strongly disagrees with Sony's opinion that their customers need this kind of protection and pointed out that PSP consoles shipped from Lik-Sang contained genuine Sony 100V-240V AC Adapters that carry CE and other safety marks and are compatible world wide. All PSP consoles were in conformity with all EU and UK consumer safety regulations.
Furthermore, Sony have failed to disclose to the London High Court that not only the world wide gaming community in more than 100 countries relied on Lik-Sang for their gaming needs, but also Sony Europe's very own top directors repeatedly got their Sony PSP hard or software imports in nicely packed Lik-Sang parcels with free Lik-Sang Mugs or Lik-Sang Badge Holders, starting just two days after Japan's official release, as early as 14th of December 2004 (more than nine months earlier than the legal action). The list of PSP related Sony Europe orders reads like the who's who of the videogames industry, and includes Ray Maguire (Managing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Alan Duncan (UK Marketing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Chris Sorrell (Creative Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Rob Parkin (Development Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited), just to name a few.
"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", stated Pascal Clarysse, formerly known as the Marketing Manager of Lik-Sang.com.
"Blame it on Sony. That's the latest dark spot in their shameful track record as gaming industry leader. The Empire finally 'won', few dominating retailers from the UK probably will rejoice the news, but everybody else in the gaming world lost something today."
10-24-06, 10:26 AM
#2
DVD Talk Legend
Funny that Sony is putting them out of business for selling PSPs. Something Sony has had a really hard time doing themselves. I would have given them an award instead.
Restricting games and hardware by region is bullshit anyway. There is no reason someone from England should have to wait 6 months for something if they are willing to pay the extra money for it.
Restricting games and hardware by region is bullshit anyway. There is no reason someone from England should have to wait 6 months for something if they are willing to pay the extra money for it.
10-24-06, 10:29 AM
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A Sony spokesperson declined to comment directly on the lawsuit against Lik-Sang, but recently went on to tell Gamesindustry.biz that "ultimately, we're trying to protect consumers from being sold hardware that does not conform to strict EU or UK consumer safety standards, due to voltage supply differences et cetera; is not - in PS3's case - backwards compatible with either PS1 or PS2 software; will not play European Blu-Ray movies or DVDs; and will not be covered by warranty".
10-24-06, 11:17 AM
#4
DVD Talk Legend
Wow, that's lame. I never ordered from them.. but what the hell is the point of making the systems region free and then shutting down the companies selling the games?! I think anyone in Europe bothering to import a system knows damn well the necessary requirements in being able to operate it.
10-24-06, 11:40 AM
#5
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Originally Posted by darkside
Funny that Sony is putting them out of business for selling PSPs. Something Sony has had a really hard time doing themselves. I would have given them an award instead.
Restricting games and hardware by region is bullshit anyway. There is no reason someone from England should have to wait 6 months for something if they are willing to pay the extra money for it.
Restricting games and hardware by region is bullshit anyway. There is no reason someone from England should have to wait 6 months for something if they are willing to pay the extra money for it.
10-24-06, 12:38 PM
#7
DVD Talk Hero
Same, never ordered but often visited.
Sony just keeps stacking up the corporate greed, good for them, hope they eventually crumble (as, gaming aside, has already happend.)
Sony just keeps stacking up the corporate greed, good for them, hope they eventually crumble (as, gaming aside, has already happend.)
10-24-06, 01:35 PM
#10
DVD Talk Godfather
So the blows keep coming to Europe from Sony. How long will they put up with it before they say "fuck it" and get a 360? Seriously, Sony has done nothing but fuck with them. Come on Europe get your shit together and get behind the company that started next gen gaming a year ago, complete with component cables. 
This is the best part:
I don't get how someone wanting to pay a premium for your product to get it early is a problem. 
This is the best part:
Sony Europe's very own top directors repeatedly got their Sony PSP hard or software imports in nicely packed Lik-Sang parcels
10-24-06, 01:49 PM
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Having orderded from Lik-Sang countless times (even had a Wii pre-order there!), this is bullshit. I've never cared much for Sony, but still supported their consoles, but after this, there is no way, I will ever pay retail price for another Sony system. Anything I get will be used.
Screw Sony.
Call it over-reacting, but for those of us who import, LikSang was a great resource.
This is the same bullshit Sony done with Bloom - tied them up in lawsuits and then when it finally did come out, it was pointless.
Screw Sony.
Call it over-reacting, but for those of us who import, LikSang was a great resource.
This is the same bullshit Sony done with Bloom - tied them up in lawsuits and then when it finally did come out, it was pointless.
Last edited by LivingINClip; 10-24-06 at 01:53 PM.
10-24-06, 01:59 PM
#12
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Interesting that they are going after them for hardware, not software sales. All software states that it is illegal to sell outside of that region, and yet Best Buy, of all places, has just started carrying import PSP and DS games. I wonder if they'll try to go after Best Buy soon... 
10-24-06, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by WildcatLH
Honestly... why do they have to lie like that? Does anyone actually believe that's why they sued?
many corporate policies have to be enforced in order to maintain legal rights over their properties.
--
still, i am very disappointed to see liksang go. they were great to deal with... no sony products/PS3 for me till 2008! (maybe :P)
10-24-06, 06:11 PM
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http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=20564
SONY
Sony denies responsibility for closure of Lik-Sang
In a statement issued to GamesIndustry.biz, Sony has denied any responsibility for the closure of Lik-Sang - accusing the online retailer of "sour grapes".
The statement begins by observing that Sony Computer Entertainment has successfully sued Pacific Game Technology, which uses Lik-Sang as one of its trading names, for infringing intellectual property rights.
"Lik-Sang did not contest this case (i.e. they did not turn up and therefore incurred no legal costs). We have been awarded substantial costs against Lik-Sang which have not been paid," the statement claims.
"We would therefore strongly deny that our actions have had anything to do with this website closing (we assume the legal entity is still trading), and would suggest that this release is sour grapes on behalf of Lik-Sang which is aimed to belittle Sony Computer Entertainment and the British judicial system that found against them."
Earlier today, Lik-Sang announced it was going out of business, citing a series of lawsuits filed by Sony as the reason for the closure. The retailer also alleged that several SCE executives purchased import PSP hardware and software on its website.
Sony responded, "The purchasing of PSP consoles by SCE employees would be for investigatory purposes. We would also like to express our surprise at a company releasing personal information about its consumers, as this is contrary to data protection principles around the world."
In a statement issued to GamesIndustry.biz, Sony has denied any responsibility for the closure of Lik-Sang - accusing the online retailer of "sour grapes".
The statement begins by observing that Sony Computer Entertainment has successfully sued Pacific Game Technology, which uses Lik-Sang as one of its trading names, for infringing intellectual property rights.
"Lik-Sang did not contest this case (i.e. they did not turn up and therefore incurred no legal costs). We have been awarded substantial costs against Lik-Sang which have not been paid," the statement claims.
"We would therefore strongly deny that our actions have had anything to do with this website closing (we assume the legal entity is still trading), and would suggest that this release is sour grapes on behalf of Lik-Sang which is aimed to belittle Sony Computer Entertainment and the British judicial system that found against them."
Earlier today, Lik-Sang announced it was going out of business, citing a series of lawsuits filed by Sony as the reason for the closure. The retailer also alleged that several SCE executives purchased import PSP hardware and software on its website.
Sony responded, "The purchasing of PSP consoles by SCE employees would be for investigatory purposes. We would also like to express our surprise at a company releasing personal information about its consumers, as this is contrary to data protection principles around the world."
10-24-06, 06:20 PM
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Screw 'em.
I refuse to support Sony after this ordeal. I've never cared for the company period (had problems with every Sony system I've owned and my SONY TV) - but after this, there is no way I will ever buy another Sony product at retail.
I refuse to support Sony after this ordeal. I've never cared for the company period (had problems with every Sony system I've owned and my SONY TV) - but after this, there is no way I will ever buy another Sony product at retail.
10-24-06, 06:23 PM
#16
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Fuck Sony. Although I haven't ordered from them more than maybe once or twice, I considered them the only reliable source to import quirky hardware & games.
Man, am I annoyed.
Man, am I annoyed.
10-24-06, 07:26 PM
#17
Banned by request
Damn it, Sony. You pushed and pushed, and each time I drew the line a little further back in the sand. But this it it. I liked Lik-Sang. I got some great import DS games from them. I won't support Sony anymore. Fuck you Sony, fuck you very much.
10-24-06, 07:32 PM
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You know, I remember when MS announced they was going to enter the gaming business, everyone started freaking out about how MS would impose their power on the smaller companies. Look at how everything turned out, look at the lawsuits Sony has brought on companies and forced them to either delay the product to the point that no one cared or completely go out of business. Sad day, really.
The worst part out of all this? If Sony can run Lik-Sang out, one of the most well known importing companies, what is going to happen to the rest? What is to stop Sony from enforcing this on more online retailers who offer imports?
The worst part out of all this? If Sony can run Lik-Sang out, one of the most well known importing companies, what is going to happen to the rest? What is to stop Sony from enforcing this on more online retailers who offer imports?
10-24-06, 09:14 PM
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I'm 99% sure this is a smokescreen. They pulled the same "going out of business" trick in 2002 in the wake of the modchip/flashcart lawsuits (IIRC they named MS as the culprit back then). A few weeks later they reincorporated and were back in business -- they just stopped selling the offending merchandise. I suspect they'll be back shortly with a way of circumventing the UK court ruling (they'll probably ship to European customers directly from Hong Kong or some other non-EU locale). The fact that they didn't even bother arguing their case in court suggests to me they've had a plan ready for this outcome all along.
10-24-06, 09:48 PM
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Originally Posted by LivingINClip
You know, I remember when MS announced they was going to enter the gaming business, everyone started freaking out about how MS would impose their power on the smaller companies. Look at how everything turned out, look at the lawsuits Sony has brought on companies and forced them to either delay the product to the point that no one cared or completely go out of business. Sad day, really.
The worst part out of all this? If Sony can run Lik-Sang out, one of the most well known importing companies, what is going to happen to the rest? What is to stop Sony from enforcing this on more online retailers who offer imports?
The worst part out of all this? If Sony can run Lik-Sang out, one of the most well known importing companies, what is going to happen to the rest? What is to stop Sony from enforcing this on more online retailers who offer imports?
However, with Arcade they are enabling some great stuff for smaller designers, only question I have is how long will that small design house stay that way if they produce a hit game? Is being bought out bad for the designer? Maybe, but most could agree it is likely bad for gamers in the long run.
Corporations are corporations, with good comes the bad and vice versa, the wheels keep turning.
Last edited by jeffdsmith; 10-24-06 at 09:51 PM.
10-24-06, 09:50 PM
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Sony responded, "The purchasing of PSP consoles by SCE employees would be for investigatory purposes. We would also like to express our surprise at a company releasing personal information about its consumers, as this is contrary to data protection principles around the world."
But the way Sony phrased it, it sounds like the SCE employees were downloading porn......"for investigatory purposes"
10-24-06, 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by msdmoney
I do agree with Sony here, regardless of this ordeal, I found it odd that Lik-Sang would release personal information, even if it is just about PSP buying.
