Sony halts import PSP sales in UK

PSP fever has been tempered in both the US and Japan, since the release of the handheld in March and December, respectively. However, Europe is still at fever pitch for the machine and won't see the PSP officially released until September 1.

That hasn't stopped a few entrepreneurs from attempting to meet demand. Although the European release is still months away, PSPs have been seen on the streets thanks to smaller retailers and online Web sites selling PSPs imported from abroad.

According to Reuters, Sony isn't going to stand for these small-time operations spoiling its launch party. Sony cites trademark infringement on both the consoles and games that are sold before the official, Sony-sanctioned European launch date.

Earlier this month, Sony told Reuters, "The law is clear, and the activity of parallel importing of PSP products from the U.S./Japan is unlawful. It should be clearly understood that under no circumstances does Sony Computer Entertainment consent to such activities."

One such target was an operation run by Dan Morelle, who owns the online retail site ElectricBirdLand. He runs the operation by himself and sells PSPs imported from Japan and the United States.

His reason? He's just giving customers what they want. Morelle has sold the PSPs since March but wasn't contacted by Sony until May.

In London today, Sony has reportedly won a temporary high court injunction to order Morelle to stop selling the units. Morelle now has 28 days to prepare his defense in court. If the cease of sales is not found in Sony's favor (that is, the sale of import PSPs is found legal in court), Sony is ordered to pay damages to Morelle.

If customers wish to return defective PSPs to Morelle, he will have them sent on to Sony, which will replace them on September 1.

Reportedly, Sony is using intimidation tactics to "bully" Morelle's business. Morelle claims that documents were delivered to his home by "men in dark glasses."