Sony clamps down on emulator software

Sony Computer Entertainment is clamping down on Playstation emulation software suppliers, trooping two off to court.

Industry watchers believe that the cases, which were due to be heard late Friday afternoon in a US courtroom, could set a precedent for emulation software in the games industry.

Sony is seeking a preliminary injunction against Connectix for selling the Virtual Game Station, a $50 package that turns an Apple Power Mac into a Playstation.

In February, Sony failed to win a temporary restraining order to stop Connectix shipping the software. Sony claims that Connectix has violated its copyright, damaged its brand and left it open to piracy.

However, in March a US court granted a temporary order against Connectix stopping it using Sony?s Playstation BIOS with which it planned to create a Windows PC version of the emulator. But Connectix claims that the ruling has not stopped it developing the software and it will be released shortly.

A verdict on the case is expect this week. If judgement goes against Connectix it has made it clear it will appeal.

In a separate action Sony is seeking a temporary restraining order against Bleem in a bid to stop it releasing its emulator. Again Sony claims the company is infringing its copyright. Bleem was slated to release its software this week.

The $39.95 Bleem emulator has been developed to turn Pentium PCs into Playstation consoles. The start up issued a demo version of its emulator software on its website and is also taking advance orders.

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