CEX confirms end to import PSP sales

CEX marketing and PR manager Jonathan Cronin has confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that the UK high street retailer is no longer selling imported PlayStation Portable consoles.

"We have always said we will comply with Sony's wishes and work within the law," Cronin said.

Staff in the leading independent's branches are thought to be disappointed by the decision, which follows a similar move made in 2003 after Nintendo launched a lawsuit against CEX over the sale of imported items.

CEX's decision marks the latest development in the long running battle by Sony to stop UK retailers importing and selling PSPs from the US and Japan. Lawyers for the Japanese giant issued Cease and Desist orders earlier this year and have since begun court proceedings against several importers, notably online retailers Nuplayer and ElectricBirdLand.

At the high court last week the judge presiding over the Sony-Nuplayer case, which centres around the use of Sony trade marks, delayed his decision on the grounds that more time to review the evidence was required.

A verdict was expected yesterday but the judge stated that the case was still under further review. The ruling is now expected on Thursday.