Last night Sony announced that PS3 shipments had been confiscated on their way into Europe following a legal injunction filed by LG over a patent dispute.
The shipments were held on their way into Europe via the Netherlands. Incidentally, South African PS3 imports come from the Netherlands, leading to speculation that South Africa may be stuck without fresh PS3 stock for a while.
Local PlayStation distributor SterKinekor has told MyGaming that local import stock has been confirmed as of this morning, and that it seems unlikely that this incident will impact South African PS3 stock levels.
Sony international has still not provided an official comment on the situation, stating that it is looking into the matter.
LG claims that Sony’s PS3 makes use of technology which LG holds patents for. While the current European ban will only hold for the next 10 days, LG will be able to apply to have it extended thereafter. If LG can prove that the PS3 uses its patented technology, then Sony will have to pay LG compensation for every single PlayStation sold to date.
While SterKinekor has confirmed local incoming stock, if the ban continues long enough for European stock to dry up, then South African stock levels could still be affected.
Local PS3 shortage unlikely – SterKinekor << Comments and views
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