From Xboxscene


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."

This is why I hate Sony so much!

[Phelan]

If this is true then Oh dear. I wonder what the repercussions will be for other e-tailers?

[CDR]

Whats sad is that although Sony have closed Lik-Sang, they also used them themselves for their hardware purchases!

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.

[Phelan]

Not on an official level though surely. The actions of a few in the company don't necessarily reflect the view / official stance of the company.

[ChuckRialto]

Oh my God!

I must have spent a fortune with Lik-Sang, including buying Sony equipment, and can't believe that they've done this. In the words of Rick from the Young Ones; the utter, utter, b*stards

Sony really are a bunch of arrogant idiots - how DARE we want to buy their products before they say we can

[A406 north circ]

I've only ever bought one item from Lik-Sang, a 360 Hori pad, and that was just a couple of months ago. But I found the service was very good, and would have definitely used them again in the future. There won't be many good importers left that's for sure.

[KevinPedrick]

I love Xbox / Wii worldwide release.

I hate Sony.

[istanbul05]

Hope nothing happens to Play-Asia

[Tetlee]

Discusting, really everyone should get together & boycott Sony, although it would never happen.

I certainly wont be buying a PS3, even if they do drastically drop in price

[The_Vindicator]

Sony are a bunch of arrogant bullies that are continuing to ****** off their bread and butter, the consumer.

I'll stick with my 360, I have no intention to buy another sony branded product. : :

[Jack-Deth]

Originally Posted by Phelan

Not on an official level though surely. The actions of a few in the company don't necessarily reflect the view / official stance of the company.

We're talking about Sony Company Directors (how can their actions be anything but offiicial) not the guy who loads the paper into the printers! Yet more double standards and bullyboy tactics from a company with the PR skills of the North Korean government

[TheBiGW]

A sad day for gaming indeed. Lik-sang were a model internet company and one of the best games purchasing sites anywhere in the world. Here's hoping the original founders set up shop under another name asap.

[BuFF DaDDy]

Sony once again flexing its money musles and closing down a very good retailer who sold loads of Sony products.

Tell you what Sony you can shove your PS3 up your Ar$£, I wont be buying one and for all the Sony fanboys out there Id get an Xbox 360 if I was you.

Im disgusted with Sony

[bigkingy]

I have used Lik-sang many times for both games and hardware and always found their service first class and courteous. I also used to be a Playstation fanatic, missing out on the dreamcast to wait for a PS2 and before that always slagging off the N64 in favour of the playstation.(I have grown up now )

Now? I am loving using my 360, have a wii on order and the last chance of me getting a PS3 has disappeared in view of their bully-boy tactics. It was looking unlikely already in view of the high price, late arrival and frankly underwhelming games, but this has put the tin hat on it!

Sorry to lose you Lik-sang

[ukkev2000]

I just can't understand the judgement passed in the High Court, but that's big business for you, backed up by government ensuring that the Big Companies get all the breaks and the little fella is done over. "Protecting the consumer" that's the line I just can't believe the judges fell for.

Anyway, what about the "one product for the entire world" PS3? B/c locked to the region it's made for, Blu Ray just as region coded as DVD, whassup? The PS3 is obviously not "as ready" as they'd like you to believe.

I look forward to next year..

Customer : "I'd like a ps3"
Shop : "That will be £600"
Customer : "I dont have £600"
Shop : "Well the 360 is just as good, got better games and costs half that"
Customer : ...

Add your own ending...

[nogimmix]

Originally Posted by Tetlee

Discusting, really everyone should get together & boycott Sony, although it would never happen.

I certainly wont be buying a PS3, even if they do drastically drop in price

I agree, I'm not buying a PS3 for sure!

[Phelan]

Originally Posted by Legion

We're talking about Sony Company Directors (how can their actions be anything but offiicial) not the guy who loads the paper into the printers! Yet more double standards and bullyboy tactics from a company with the PR skills of the North Korean government

Like I said, the orders probably weren't made in an official capacity. Did they order it under Sony Incorporated or as individual consumers?

I'm not saying I agree with Sonys move to stifle the import market. All I'm saying is that it is irrelevent who ordered what from the Lik Sang website as their actions would not reflect the official stance of the company. Citing the names of the Sony execs using the website for personal orders may expose some level of hypocrisy on a small scale but it's certainly no argument in court!

[av addict]

Originally Posted by The_Vindicator

Sony are a bunch of arrogant bullies that are continuing to ****** off their bread and butter, the consumer.

I'll stick with my 360, I have no intention to buy another sony branded product. : :

yes count me in on this as well-sony no more

[WelshBluebird]

Originally Posted by ukkev2000

I just can't understand the judgement passed in the High Court, but that's big business for you, backed up by government ensuring that the Big Companies get all the breaks and the little fella is done over. "Protecting the consumer" that's the line I just can't believe the judges fell for.

Anyway, what about the "one product for the entire world" PS3? B/c locked to the region it's made for, Blu Ray just as region coded as DVD, whassup? The PS3 is obviously not "as ready" as they'd like you to believe.

I look forward to next year..

Customer : "I'd like a ps3"
Shop : "That will be £600"
Customer : "I dont have £600"
Shop : "Well the 360 is just as good, got better games and costs half that"
Customer : ...

Add your own ending...

again - where are people getting these ridiculous figures from. The PS3 will not be £600. Judging by the EU price, the UK price will be around £430 at most (as the PSP was around £10 more expensive over here than in the EU, so I'm assuming the PS3 will be a similar amount more than the EU price).

[Bilbob]

Originally Posted by Phelan

Like I said, the orders probably weren't made in an official capacity. Did they order it under Sony Incorporated or as individual consumers?

I'm not saying I agree with Sonys move to stifle the import market. All I'm saying is that it is irrelevent who ordered what from the Lik Sang website as their actions would not reflect the official stance of the company. Citing the names of the Sony execs using the website for personal orders may expose some level of hypocrisy on a small scale but it's certainly no argument in court!

On a small scale? This is the same board of directors that decided to take Lik-Sang to court....
'You know, this service is great, I just managed to get my son a psp from them as I couldn't get it through official channels...'

'yeah, I know, did the same for mine, and they even sent me a free cup!'

'Right, we've got our bit's, let's shut em down, the SWINES!!'

Sure about the 'small scale' bit?

[evade]

A very sad day, I guess this will be the first of many etailers to fall to Sony's bully boy tactic's. The real shame is that Lik-Sang sold so much more than just Sony products. One companys greed denying the joys of multi console Video gaming to the public

[Kahled]

Hardly a surprise really....

How could Sony hope to recover the reduction in price to the Asian market from other markets if other consumers in those other markets are able to import the cheaper units?

With that success under their belt there is little doubt they will be going after other such suppliers, although there might be more of a problem outside their sphere such as US suppliers (that legal system is such a mess it probably wouldnt be resolved until the next XBox is released heh).

[wormvortex]

Sony products are **** anyways they are terribly made and always break. Expect possibly a ps3 i would never buy anything Sony.

[MMalik81]

Originally Posted by ukkev2000

Customer : "I'd like a ps3"
Shop : "That will be £600"
Customer : "I dont have £600"
Shop : "Well the 360 is just as good, got better games and costs half that"
Customer : ...

Add your own ending...

Customer: ohh you must be crazy, Xbox 360 is much better than sony PS3.

[fakie]

Lik sang was a great place to buy from. I will deffenantly boycott sony from now on as they treat there customers like crap and are money grabbing gits. Just more good news to follow up on your battery packs in your control pads .I think its about time we stood up to sony as good as some of the games may be and let those psps and ps3s gather shelf dust.Psp is sold and there aint gonna be any ps3 next to my 360 any time soon.

[just slackin']

Originally Posted by ukkev2000

Customer : "I'd like a ps3"
Shop : "That will be £600"
Customer : "I dont have £600"
Shop : "Well the 360 is just as good, got better games and costs half that"
Customer : ...

Add your own ending...

'don't be so daft, the ps3 is actually $150 cheaper than the xbox360. i'm surprised that you haven't heard, i read it on the interweb'

http://www.vgcore.com/news/1970.html

[just slackin']

Originally Posted by istanbul05

Hope nothing happens to Play-Asia

play-asia stopped selling sony products to europe when the warnings started to appear from sony. you can put them in your basket but it then says that they can't ship to your region.

i wondered what that was all about at the time (hori products as well) but now know the answer.

[nutter45]

Originally Posted by ukkev2000

I just can't understand the judgement passed in the High Court, but that's big business for you, backed up by government ensuring that the Big Companies get all the breaks and the little fella is done over. "Protecting the consumer" that's the line I just can't believe the judges fell for.

I don't think any judgement was properly passed. Sony launched loads of simultaneous lawsuits that lik-sang had no chance of defending properly as costs would have been astronomical, so they did the only thing possible

http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3901

[Martos]

I have been a customer of Lik-Sang and an importer of videogames and consoles for over 15 years now (including the PS2 and PSP!!). Their service was always exemplary and allowed you to have a choice of how you purchased games and what region they came from.

Those of you who are knocking on a bit may remember a company called Madeira Games that also ended up closing when Sony were kicking companies for selling mod chips.

At the end of the day, these small companies can't compete with Sony in court as the costs would cripple them, so Sony just hit em with all sorts, no matter how unfounded.

Sony just want to have total control of the market in the various territories.

It is a very sad day for the whole import scene and it wouldn't surprise me to see a lot of the other importers having to shut up shop.

I know that games companies don't have to rely on the "Hardcore" gamers any more to get a foothold in the market, but Sony's tactics are a kick in the teeth to all independant games retailers.

RIP Lik Sang, you will be sorely missed...

[ani4ani]

I always find it amazing how people respond to companies that are breaking the law. That is what Lik-sang were doing. They were selling products that were not designed for the European markets, [consumer rights, warranties, CE marking, duties etc.] not being taxed as our European governments wanted. I purchased my PSP through this company and it came with a Japanese manual. In Europe, its that law that as a minimum, operating manuals must be supplied in the official languages of the EEC. I know, its a unlikely prospect, but if someone injured themselves because they couldn't understand the manual, e.g. electricuted messing around with an AV AMP etc - Sony would be liable as simple as that for supplying products without the proper support materials - no matter how they arrived here.

I promise you, Sony had to do what they did for no other reason, that Sony risks prosecution from Europe. It is not by chance that most products in Europe cost a fortune - its TAX. While ever Sony appeared to turn a blind-eye to these things they risked their own lawsuit.

I [My company, that I run ]export products all over the world, especially Asia and the Middle East and obviously Europe. I can tell you, that we are audited several times a year by UK TAX / Inland Revenue and similar bodies througout these territories where I have to prove that I am not price fixing, shifting prices to avoid paying tax. Not supplying cheap products from one territory to another etc.

Obviously Sony [and similar companies] have this issus on a whole quantum scale bigger than ours, but the laws are just the same. Sony, without doing anything were at risk.

The Volkswagen group were fined 100M euros 3 years ago for a similar issue, essentially badging Audi products as Skoda / Seat parts and shipping through their Hungarian facilities into Western Europe. i.e. shipping low value parts to pay lower tax, then rebadging them Audi parts to sell at a premium.

Don't blame Sony, blame our protectionist Governments! If you want to protest, don't ever ride on public transport again!

I know that my post is a bit ANAL for an AV forum, but this is why things like this happen. Sony do a lot of things wrong [doing!] but they probably had no alternative.