Lik-Sang.com shut down by Sony lawsuits

Dear Lik-Sang.com,

We hear your recent legal spat with Sony Computer Entertainment has ended your long and glorious run as grey market importer of choice, sapping both your resources and potential revenue streams. You were always there for us when we needed a DS lite before it hit the States, or a Japan-only karaoke-based cooking game that might've otherwise never made its way into our hands, and we're sorry to see you taken down by "The Empire" in such a dramatic fashion. If it's any consolation, it looks like the very Sony Europe execs that just busted you for supposedly infringing on their "trade marks, copyright and registered design rights," won't be able to import whatever fancy consoles Sony Japan busts out next, since most of 'em got their PSPs via you last time around. But of course, Europeans really "don't mind" waiting for Sony products, so maybe the point is moot. Anyways, you will be missed Lik-Sang, but never forgotten -- also, would you mind hooking us up with some Pokemon Diamond on your way out?

Thanks,
Engadget

[Thanks, Mark A.]

[JD @ Oct 24th 2006 2:27PM]

Man this is depressing.

If Sony was really interested in jusy copyright infringement, they could have easily ordered a ceast-and-desist on the items in question instead of shutting down the whole site.

This is Sony, once again, deciding they get to determine what customers what, not the other way around.

What copyright was being violated by ordering a component cable or a DS cover??

[Andir3.0 @ Oct 24th 2006 2:33PM]

Sony didn't shut them down. They shut down on their own, and blamed Sony's lawsuits. They could have easily used the law to remain open. There's a big difference.

[CooperFBI @ Oct 24th 2006 2:30PM]

Sony are blind to realise that sites like Lik-Sang are the lifeblood of gamers and create an environment that will ultimately lead to more sales for them. It's an incredibly short sighted and arrogant move by Sony. I hope the PS3 truly goes to hell now and I'm off to hack my PSP.

[Earl @ Oct 24th 2006 4:10PM]

"Law" involves lawyers, which involves lots of money. Sony has lots of money, Lik-Sang probably could not compete

[ReZeN @ Oct 24th 2006 2:34PM]

Wow you guys are defensive idiots.

Sony simply bullied them with multiple lawsuits just to close them down. Don't give me that "business men" rubbish because it's obvious that it was nothing more than bully tactics to close Lik-Sang down since they wanted to sell PSPs and was the ONLY retailer that didn't just roll over and beg.

"Copyright Infringement" is shallow as well as other stores blatantly use Sony's logos probably without even a whisper to get it agreed with the company. All they did was crush them the only way they could, with _money_. Mirroring documents shouldn't even have gone to court as I am sure a simple notification to remove the items from the website would of been accepted and Lik-Sang stopped their practice of supplying "Development Kits" long before this started.

If you honestly agree with those ethics then you have some serious issues.

[Kevin @ Oct 24th 2006 2:39PM]

"Who here is begining to feel that 50% of these Sony bashing comments are internal to Engadget? Does no one question the fact that there are ZERO positive posts for anything pertaining to the PS3. This goes a little bit beyond bandwagon hoppin, or just generating hits. Why is it that MS and Nintendo are the only ones that get good press here?"

It is actually the feeling on all blogs right now, give it a couple days and I am sure it will be a small blip on the local news outlets. So no it isn't just this blog.

[Adam @ Oct 24th 2006 2:52PM]

The following is "hate mail" to Sony =D

Sony, Sony, Sony... That is poor judgement on your part. Lik-Sang was what gave people in different countries the ability to purchase consoles. What the people did with said product (PSP) was not in your interest as a company, to prevent ANY "harm to the consumer, where products differ in region". Oh whats a few volts between importers? Your failure to recoginize a potential mistake on your part, could cause a loss for not just for you Sony, but for the consumer. Your already sad attempt at a nex-gen system AT A FREAKING $500! You have failed the consumer, not intervened to protect them. It's apparent you dont learn from past mistakes; holding Beta VCR technology close the belt, keeping videogame hardware from an ENTIRE COUNTRY, because it doesn't meet "strict nation standards" WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? MY UNITED STATES PSP IS GOING TO EXPLODE IN EUROPE? Hey Sony for once, why don't you attempt a worldwide release? No, that makes too much sense. Oh well Sony, you definitely let people down, not to mention ALL OF THE UK.

Sincerely yours,
An anonymous disgruntled Sony Customer

[Vince @ Oct 24th 2006 2:56PM]

i can't believe i'm hearing this...
that was the best site ever for gaming
now who will i turn to for my stuf???
i mean...they gave such a good service, it was unbelievable
i got the FFVII ultra package at them, my statue was not 100% and they just sent me a new one without havin to return the old!
how much better can your service be?

[F.U.Sony @ Oct 24th 2006 3:00PM]

I'm going to buy a PS3 just so I can take a huge crap on it, coat it in varnish, mount it on a marble pedestal and display it in a glass case in my living room as testament to the most satisfying dump I have ever experienced in my entire life.

[BSW @ Oct 24th 2006 3:15PM]

I know you didn't mean to, but you make a nice point. Boycotting the PS3 **HELPS** Sony, since they will actually take a loss on each unit sold (to be made up in software / bluray sales).

REALLY want to bankrupt Sony - buy all the PS3's available and just sit on the things. Or better yet, donate them to the Euro hackers to see how fast we can start bittorrenting the games... By boycotting the system, we're only guaranteeing the few available this season go to those paying no attention to the scene (most likely to buy all the games and accessories)

* before I'm called an idiot 50 times, I realize it's an absurd idea. Just making a point. If I had an extra disposable $600 to contribute to a boycott, I wouldn't be toiling away at this desk...

[CWar @ Oct 24th 2006 3:12PM]

I just hope they don't attack other importers. Mainly play-asia, because I've ordered alot from them.

[J @ Oct 24th 2006 3:13PM]

OMFG SONY MONEY HUNGRY AZZ I LIKED LIK-SANG THEZE BIG CORP THEZE DAYZ ALWAYZ TAKIN DOWN THE LITTLE GUYZ

[F.U.Sony @ Oct 24th 2006 3:28PM]

If I could buy a PS3 for each and every exquisite bowel movement I could muster, I would.

To be correct, though, buying a PS3 is giving money to Sony. Otherwise, they have useless hunks of semiconductors and plastic gathering dust in their warehouses. The money they "lost" was during production. Sales can only help.

[james V. @ Oct 24th 2006 3:19PM]

How comes Sony only blocks the EU importing? why not USA to JAPAN and vise-versa? come on Sony have you got the balls to stop these importing too...

NO FUTURE SONY PURCHASES PLANNED NOW, IN THE NEAR FUTURE OR EVER...

Play Asia do not and will not supply PSP or PS3 to any EU address, (they stopped this ages ago as Sony threatend there suppliers)

[Paul @ Oct 24th 2006 3:25PM]

Why was sony providing them with PSP's in the first place. Its not like Lik-Sang was hiding the fact that they ship world-wide...as thier front page clearly states. This is either a publicity stunt, or a feeble attempt to put themselves in a more positive light after all the battery recall suits. Sony, you are truely pathetic.

[DeShaun @ Oct 24th 2006 3:47PM]

You know, what I don't understand is, if they're going to take action like that, why in the hell did they make the PS3 and PSP region free??

We already know that the software selection will differ by region, so why dangle the option of buying foreign games in our faces, only to snatch it away by closing down lik-sang? Who's next? Play-Asia?

[bsm0f0 @ Oct 24th 2006 4:00PM]

*Sigh ... Sadly, I was a huge Sony fan up until all this PS3 shit started. Never had a problem with a single Sony product I own/owned (digital cam, camcorder, playstation 1/2, tv, etc) ... I still have my Sony Walkman from like 1984 and it still works. I took my U.S. PS2 with me when I moved to France for 2 years, plugged it right into the wall, no problems thanks to the SONY dual voltage brick I picked up. How they can argue that LikSang sold these dangerous devices when they were/are doing the same is complete bullshit. Sony will never see another "big american dollah" (yes, I know, it's not so big anymore) from me and my HDTV upgrade is right around the corner (X-mas).

GG Sony ... I hope you enjoy the battery recalls and your dismal PS3 sales.

[Yank @ Oct 24th 2006 4:03PM]

Add my name to the list of someone who isnt going to be buying sony's products.

[opello @ Oct 24th 2006 4:18PM]

Lik-Sang.com dies, but Lik-Seng.net is soon to rise from its ashes? Maybe? We can hope ...

[Matt B @ Oct 24th 2006 4:21PM]

Thanks for all those now not buying a PS3 making my chances of landing one marginally better. :P
Being 31 and very tech savvy, I have never heard of Lik-sang which may be why I don't care. If you lost something over this, my condolences. I'm sure more back door's will open for all that must have stuff that you can't find regionally.

[kolt siewerts @ Oct 24th 2006 4:43PM]

Shame on you $ony!

[Korey @ Oct 24th 2006 5:12PM]

More pure and simple bullshit from the egotistcal bastards at Sony Computer Entertainment. I'm boycotting thier shit.

[Robotron @ Oct 24th 2006 5:13PM]

Two words

Boycott Sony

[Sean C @ Oct 24th 2006 5:51PM]

How about a "Save Lik-Sang" Fund? At leeast help them out with their legal problems!!

They've helped out us gamers and enthusaists for years. Maybe we can help them out too...

I think Engadget should spark this one up!

[KiwiNick @ Oct 24th 2006 5:53PM]

I love it when Sony bends me over, feels oh so good.

[Spoon! @ Oct 24th 2006 5:57PM]

Wow, by delaying your console in Europe to AFTER Christmas (you told us we dont mind so it must be true), adding your usual European Premium Price Point(an inspired move), removing rumble feature (I never liked being immersed in games anyway) and now forcing importers to close under legal duress you are practically guaranteed a landslide console victory across Europe (faultless logic).

Check & mate Sony, check & mate!

[Andir3.0 @ Oct 24th 2006 6:08PM]

"I'm sure more back door's will open for all that must have stuff that you can't find regionally."
I hear the 360 fans like "backdoors"...

Seriously though. If Sony was truly out to "screw the man". Why would Sony only target one of these establishments and basically leave the other's alone? I think Lik-Balls wanted to close up for whatever reason and they just said "fuck it" and blamed Sony, like everyone else, instead of fighting. I would even go as far as calling them cowards.

[Goemon4 @ Oct 24th 2006 6:17PM]

yet another reason to hate sony (they just lost the 600 bucks i was gonna pull outta my arse for the ps3!)

[Tech^Cellfish @ Oct 24th 2006 6:31PM]

WHAT?!?!

Me and two of my friends would NEVER have bought PSP's if it weren't for Lik-Sang!

EUROPEANS WONT WAIT! (Like some of you $ony people think)

[Ed @ Oct 24th 2006 6:39PM]

We should boycott $ony once and for all!!! Why are people still defending this company?????

[TT @ Oct 24th 2006 8:07PM]

BOYCOTT SONY

i've had it with sony. they are an arrogant, greedy, dishonest company that blatantly steals ideas from others, shows contempt for their customers (and repeatedly lies to them), and engages in unethical business practices. i will no longer be buying ANY products made by sony. if they want to keep behaving like gangsters, they can do it without any more of my consumer dollars. i hope other people will do the same. they no longer deserve to be a leader in electronics or gaming. i hope a full-fledged BOYCOTT SONY movement emerges from this. i sincerely hope that lik-sang was able to protect most of its assets. sony abusing its customers is one thing, but potentially tearing up people's lives (the folks at lik-sang) by taking away their HONEST livelihood is completely over the top.

[Ayle @ Oct 24th 2006 11:26PM]

@porsche 911 : WTF are you talking about????

[Rick Person @ Oct 25th 2006 12:02AM]

RIP Sony 2007
You won't be missed

[patrick @ Oct 25th 2006 3:00AM]

Aww so sad, Sony had every right to do this. Lik-Sang were warned to stop selling PSPs to Europe and they chose to ignore Sony and look what happens. Yes I did buy a couple of things from them but this is no big loss for me. Name anything on Lik-Sangs website and I can guarantee I can find it in less than 5min at any of the dozen or so other sites on the Internet.

Also for all the people saying "Sony sucks I will never buy any of their products again." 1)you probably didn't have enough money to get a PS3 anyway so you say this just to sound cool. 2) Are going to get one anyway and are just saying this to sound cool. Lastly I doubt if a few little Internet crybabies not buying a PS3 will really hurt Sony. So go ahead and boycott Sony if you want I will still be getting my PS3 on launch day from Gamestop. As I couldn't care less about their business practices I just like the Ps3 and the future games they will have. Also before you call me a fanboy I own a Xbox360 too and will get a Wii when it comes out. So write or e-mail all the little letters you want or sign all the online petitions you want it will not make a bit of difference. Just give up your futile attempts are pointless.

[Phil Harrison @ Oct 25th 2006 3:23AM]

What Lik-Sang was offering wasn't illegal, so it's not correct to say what they were doing is illegal. Selling grey-market items is NOT illegal. Sony got a judge to rule that Lik-Sang was infringing on Sony's copyright by exporting products out of their intended market. How legally purchasing a product from Sony, where Sony is getting paid, don't forget, and then shipping it to another country infringes on copyright is a joke. I'll bet it wouldn't be surprising if a Sony connected company has made a "donation" to that judge (Cough, cough, bribe). The judge is an idiot because it opens up a pandora's box of legal precedent. Now any manufacturer can sue any company that is exporting products and claim copyright infringment. There are a handful of expatriat stores around the web that supply expatriats with a taste of home, wherever that may be. So Frito-Lay can sue a company because an American in Belgium has a hankering for Cheetos? Copyright infringment is when a lame company like Sony has a slogan and someone rips it off or comes close to it, like if Sony's slogan were, "Sony, we make shitty products and overcharge, too," and then Electronic Arts came along with a slogan, "EA, we make lame products and charge you three times to use them (godfather weapons)"

Fuck Sony. Fuck EA.

I hope the Etch-a-Sketch makes a huge comeback.

[Giles @ Oct 25th 2006 4:03AM]

Another pissed off ex-Sony customer. I bought a VAIO in good faith, the hinge snapped three times. I bought a PS2 and the laser failed. I bought another PS2 and the laser failed. I bought a Walkman and it chewed my tape (and stopped charging)

You are treading thin ice Sony. Listen to your customers or you'll go the same way as Enron. I'm off to buy an Xbox360.

Boycott Sony (fucxors)

[vrf @ Oct 25th 2006 4:13AM]

The fact that Sony executives in Europe used Lik-Sang for the very thing that they claim was copyright infringement is just priceless. What a bunch of losers.

In two or three years, none of this will matter anyway since Sony is a dying company. Everyone is just killing them in home electronics, and the PS3 will not be a good enough pixelbox to save the sinking ship. (In fact, the way things are going, it may drag the ship down even faster.)

-V

[TheGuyNextDoor @ Oct 25th 2006 4:16AM]

You know, threads like this show just how far (or not) the internet has come. When every tom, dick and harry can have a say on any topic. When PS1 was launched way back when, there wasn't nearly the mass internet useage that we have now, and just think of the diatribe people would have written when the whole Nintendo double-crossing Sony fiasco kicked off.

It makes me laugh how people are still crying to boycott Sony products, and feel the need to post such a fact on a page such as this as if it might carry some weight.

If everyone boycotted the product of every manufacturer that underwent an business practice that a certain demographic found unpopular, then nobody would buy anything.

And if you think Lik-Sang was the last grey-importer that will undertake these practices, you're mistaken.

More fool Sony for wasting time and money pursuing these companies, but kudos to them for trying to protect their intellectual properties. And so they should.

[I, Robot @ Oct 25th 2006 8:00PM]

@TheGuyNextDoor,

Thank god we have a "Dick and Harry" like you to point these things out for us. "Your long winded diatribe", is sure to carry some weight with the gaming community.

[CoolKidd @ Oct 25th 2006 7:51AM]

Sony should thank Lik-Sang for promoting their product to the world.

This is another reason for me to hate SONY!

[Samuel @ Oct 25th 2006 9:12AM]

Another reason why I have not bought a Sony product since the original Playstation.

[Sam Morris @ Oct 25th 2006 1:41PM]

when I get a PS3, I'm taking the Sony labels off.

[Eric @ Oct 25th 2006 4:20PM]

Lik-Sang was a great site- my sister bought her GameCube there (Spice, the only one I've ever seen in person)...

Free shipping on import games (which I actually wanted)...

Fair prices, unlike many other import sites...

Fast shipping (one week from Hong Kong to New York)...

I think anyone who is interested in buying games in a language they don't understand (Japanese not being the dominant language in Britain, America, or... pretty much anywhere outside of Japan) is smart enough to know that the power differences are important. And those who aren't are hopefully smart enough to realise that when they try to plug a Japanese/American power adapter into their British outlet... they aren't the same shape.

What is happening is that European customers didn't want to wait 9 months (and pay extra) for their PSP, so European sales are way down, since everyone bought them from Lik-Sang when they were released in Japan. They don't want to repeat this with PlayStation 3.

Calling Lik-Sang a "black market" site is a huge stretch- they were a legitimate company. If they weren't, they wouldn't be going through so much trouble to refund people's money from pre-orders and credits. Of course, if they weren't legitimate, they would have been shut down a long time ago.

[I, Robot @ Oct 25th 2006 7:40PM]

If any Sony Fanboys buy a PS3, any Blu-Ray device, or Defend Sony, in any way. They should be strung up and stabbed in the crotch! And then shot in the head, for being SO F*cking Stupid.

This is the THIN end of the wedge. They’ll go after play-asia.com next! Mark my words. Sony’s done it once – now there’s NONE thing to stop them.

[David @ Oct 26th 2006 1:11AM]

Wow. Are you serious? I had never known how deep sony had to go just to stop imports. Lik-Sang did a lot for the gaming community. I was almost thinking about buying a PS3 but this has completely squashed even the tiniest craving for a PS3. Sony, you suck.

[Gon @ Oct 26th 2006 9:37AM]

That's is a shame!
I never bought something in LikSang, but my PS2, I bought trough black market a 2 years ago. Here in Argentina, Sony doesnt represents the own product of Playstation, 2 years ago. I tried to bought an original, I sent a mail to USA, so... they tell me they cant support the ps2 in my country in that moment.
So, I want to have one, so I need to bought a PS2, that is a local rumour, in Argentina is assembly with repaired pieces... but i have no choice.

Recently, in this year, Sony arrives to my country with PS2... 2 YEARS LATER!! C�Mon! and the black market, is diseaparing by few...

How they can do that?? They want to sell his products by his own, but doesnt represent or doesnt sell worldwide at the same time! A SHAME!

[stagsman @ Oct 26th 2006 10:17AM]

Is this Sony's way of making itself feel better after the ongoing farce that is the huge recall of batteries, by most of the companies who bought them. I was looking forward to the PS3 coming to the UK, but now that has been jaded, I will look elsewhere for my next console.

[Justin @ Oct 26th 2006 12:13PM]

Dear Sony,

Fuck you greedy ass fuckers! I am in the home theater business and I pledge to never sell another Sony product to any of my customers. Quit trying to blow us up with your batteries and think about doing something good for your company for a change. Answer this: What good did this do? Does it make you feel better about your small Japanese penises? Rot in hell.

Bitches.

[Fire Hazard @ Oct 27th 2006 6:32PM]

bad sony! bad! way to bite the hand that feeds. lik-sang sold sony products.

[guppygould @ Oct 28th 2006 8:42AM]

A myspace has just been created for people' like myself are tired of Sony ruining the games industry. Show you support at [url]http://www.myspace.com/screwsony[/url]

Enjoy,

Leo