Apple has continued its series of lawsuits against just about everything with a multi-touch touchscreen, this time targeting the PS Vita. The lawsuit, which has apparently been in the US courts since the announcement of the system as the NGP but kept quiet in the media by both sides, shows Apple claiming the PS Vita’s menu “is a flagrant and shameless imitation of our iOS interface”.
Apparently the courts have granted not only an injunction against the importation of new PS Vita units from Japan, but also the removal of remaining units from store shelves and online retailers within the next 48 hours. Sony is still hopeful that they can beat the pressure from Apple as Jack Tretton, Sony USA President, posted on his Twitter feed, “We hope to see the Vita back in production and back on sale within the next seven days”.
So, if you were on the fence about getting a PS Vita, now would probably be your best (and perhaps last) opportunity to get one. Just be sure to pay extra for overnight shipping if you’re ordering it online, because if your order doesn’t get processed in time you’ll be out of luck like Sony themselves.
We’ll keep you posted on any further developments in this unprecedented dispute.
