Sony requests dismissal of Other OS suit

   Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) is calling for the dismissal of a lawsuit filed in April pertaining to the removal of the "Other OS" function from the Playstation 3 firmware. David Verner, the plaintiff, filed the suit arguing that Sony deceived PS3 customers when the Linux operating system or "Other OS" functionality was removed from the console with the firmware 3.21 update.

   Playstation 3 consoles with firmware 3.15 are still capable of "Other OS" functionality. I'm guessing that Sony's going to have their way with the dismissal. Ultimately, they're in control of the product that they sell and they have the right to patch/upgrade the firmware to mold and shape the way their product operates. I remember thinking to myself, "WTF are they doing?" when I read about Sony's "Other OS" plans. There was a Linux Kit for the PS2 that included a hard drive which sold relatively well and there was a dedicated fan base but what was the business sense of adding the capability of running Linux on the PS3? Remember, I'm looking at it from a business perspective. Not a hobbyist's perspective. I can understand the hobbyist's perspective perfectly but from a business standpoint, it made zero sense.

   Maybe Sony can do a Steve Jobs and text David Verner with, "Please leave us alone" and call it a day.

More Jailbreak sellers in Sony's sights

If you're dumb reckless enough to continue selling PS3 mods after Sony's legal victories in multiple jurisdictions around the world, then you probably deserve to get sued. Sony has started legal action against three PS3 Jailbreak vendors in Sweden - Manzzon, Rejoy, and Wechip. Sony is seeking damages of 1 million Swedish Krona (SEK) or US$137,483.50 based on this morning's forex spot. If the Jailbreak is priced at about US$30, the companies would need to sell 4,582 Jailbreaks to pay Sony.

Sony sues US-based Jailbreak seller

   Sony has filed a lawsuit in California against a US-based reseller of the PS3 Jailbreak. The defendants named in the lawsuit are Zoomba LDC and WWW.SHOPPSJAILBREAK.COM.

The filing may be viewed through the link below. 

http://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/candce/3:2010cv03909/231381

The ADR Scheduling Order, VRW Standing Order, Standing Order, and the Summons Issued related to the lawsuit may be purchased for 0.99 cents each through the following link:

http://www.rfcexpress.com/lawsuit-documents.asp?ID=64147

   Sony has accused the defendants of trademark and copyright infringement and violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Specifically, the DMCA criminalizes the distribution of devices that are designed to circumvent the security measures that protect a copyrighted work from being copied or in the case of the Jailbreak, "backed up" to hard drive. Zoomba LDC's contact address as listed on their Jailbreak sales site is located in Houston, TX which places the company within the jurisdiction of the DMCA.