PS3 imports banned in patent row

European customs officers have been told to seize all shipments of PlayStation 3s (PS3), following a patent row between Sony and LG.

LG has won a 10-day import ban on the games consoles from the civil court of justice in the Hague.

The long-running dispute between the two tech firms centres around the playback facility for Blu-Ray discs.

Custom officials in Holland have already seized tens of thousands of PS3s, according to reports.

Experts say that the ban, if extended, could affect the stock available in shops within three weeks.

LG claims that Sony PS3s infringe a number of patents relating to the playback of Blu-Ray discs.

It is also seeking a ban in the US and has filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC).

:story: Full story: BBC News