Sony Considers Lawsuit Over Its Controller Being Used In Anti-Video Game Ad
from the probably-not-the-best-idea dept
Steve points us to a story in the UK about how Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is considering taking legal action against the folks behind an anti-video game advertisement because a photo in the ad includes a boy holding what appears to be a Playstation controller. The whole thing seems pretty silly. The anti-video game ad is pretty ridiculous itself, but Sony overreacting to it seems even worse. First of all, other than hardcore gamers, who's even going to notice that it's a PlayStation controller? Instead of suing and drawing more attention, Sony might want to just focus on reasons why the ad is misleading and that video gaming doesn't lead to "cancer, diabetes, and heart disease." Suing over the use of the controller just makes it look like they have something to hide.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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Filed Under: lawsuits, streisand effect, trademark, video games, violent video games
Companies: sony
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You must think people are stupid.
You'd be stunned. Despite the fact many people don't own consoles, they can still recognize them, and their peripherals.
I can understand Sony's position, but a lawsuit is ridiculous. Don't people ask anymore?
It's bad enough the PlayStation (et games) gets blamed for every day woes, now this poster?
Sony has every right to be upset.
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Re: You must think people are stupid.
Even if it was a PS3 controller, I still don't see Sony's position. It doesn't look like an anti-gaming add, it looks like an anti-sit-on-your-fat-ass add. They don't directly point out video games or say that one should never play games, just that one should have at least one hour of physical activity a day.
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Re: Re: You must think people are stupid.
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Re: Re: Re: You must think people are stupid.
The ad could have easily put in a Big Mac, TV, or a damn couch for that matter.
Why the controller? Bullshit anit-gaming message indeed.
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Re: Re: Re: You must think people are stupid.
The game controller is just a mind trick to enhance the idea of laziness. The controller only makes one think that games are the problem if one already has a predisposition to that affect. It's like using an image of people sitting on a couch eating popcorn to sell an HDTV. The popcorn isn't making the HD experience, but most people associate popcorn with a theater experience.
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Re: Re: Re: Re: You must think people are stupid.
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Re:
Sony may be overreacting some, but there is little doubt that the controller is itself a third-party DualShock...
So what you're saying is that Sony has no standing.
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Trying to be like AngryJerk
Nah, I can't even type that with a straight face
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It is a copyrighted and/or trademarked design used without permission and they should sue even if it didn't portray Sony in a bad light.
You honestly think you shouldn't be able to portray an object without permission of the trademark holder? Really?
Free speech FTW!
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Best
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i don't see the anti gaming angle
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The real problem
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Bad PR
...idiots...
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Sony - so long, it was nice knowing you... NOT!
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How does it feel to know your in your last days SONY?
I hope they lose 300% of what they are sueing for in legal fees.
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