EU lifts Sony Playstation 3 import ban

CONSOLE MAKER Sony breathed a sigh of relief as the European Union lifted an import ban on Playsation 3 units, while LG faces a fine for damages.

The matter isn't over just yet, as Sony still has to defend the patent infringement claims at a later date. LG has been ordered to pay hefty fines for substantial damages to Sony's business.

The court ordered ban for 10 days on large shipments of PS3 games consoles, thought to total around 300,000 units, has passed and has not been extended.

The Korean firm LG has alleged that Sony had used several bits of technology in its Blu-ray player in the console that LG had patented.

LG, which is also in long running disputes with Sony over patents in mobile phone technology, is calling for a similar Blu-ray related investigation in the US.

The lifting of the EU ban should mean that shops will not encounter PS3 console stock shortages across the Channel. µ