Dropping support for Linux on the PS3 has landed Sony in court. A class-action suit filed Tuesday in a San Francisco court (via IGN) claims that the intentional disablement of Other OS support constitutes a breach of sales contract as well as a breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Not only that, but the suit accuses Sony of inflicting unfair and deceptive business practices on "millions of unsuspecting customers."
"Sony knowingly and willingly accepted monetary benefits from Plaintiff and the Class, but Sony did not honor its obligations," reads the court document (line 17, page 12). "Rather, Sony benefited from the sales of PS3s with the Other OS function which it then forced purchasers to either disable or forgo other important PS3 functions."
"Under the circumstances described herein, it is inequitable for Sony to retain the full monetary benefit at the expenses of the Plaintiff and the Class," the complaint continues.
"By engaging in the conduct described above, Sony has been unjustly enriched at the expense of Plaintiff and the Class and is required, in equity and good conscience, to compensate the Plaintiff and the Class for harm suffered as a result of its actions."
The suit covers anyone who purchased a PS3 between November 17, 2006 and March 27, 2010 (though not if you sold your PS3 to someone in the meantime) and seeks compensatory damages, restitution, injunctive relief and legal fees.
