Sony Bid to Stop Grey Imports

The Japanese electronics giant Sony is demanding that companies importing its hotly anticipated PlayStation Portable to Britain reveal their customers' identities so the equipment can be tracked down.

Gamers who have bought the imported version ahead of its British launch in September could see the consoles impounded, following the launch of a legal action by Sony.

The PSP, a handheld games machine which can also play movies and music, has been trumpeted as this year's must-have gadget - but Sony is attempting to crack down on so-called "grey imports" into the British market. The corporation will go to the high court on Monday in the hope of securing an injunction against firms who are importing the consoles from Japan.

Should the legal action prove successful, those who have paid around £200 each to buy imported PSPs could find themselves empty-handed. A copy of the writ, seen by the Guardian, demands that details of the British purchasers are handed over by the importing companies.

Grey importing is a common practice in the games industry, where dedicated fans will pay above the usual retail price to get hold of technology before it reaches Europe. Britain is traditionally one of the last markets for new consoles.

Some of the targeted retailers have already stopped selling PSPs, while others say they will fight the action. They argue that Sony's previous behaviour - including, some claim, the purchase of import PSPs by Sony staff - could be seen as implied approval.

But Sony defended its action in a statement: "We will continue to be vigilant and, where necessary, take appropriate action against those unlawfully importing PSPs into Europe."