Story perspectives

Sony Hit With U.S. Class Action Over Digital Licenses

8/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sony Interactive Entertainment is sued in a U.S. class action filed June 18 over digital game licensing.
Four plaintiffs claim the PlayStation Store’s “Buy Now” and “Confirm Purchase” buttons mislead buyers into believing they own games.
California’s 2024 AB 2426 law, effective 2025, mandates separate disclosures that digital purchases are licenses, not sales.
Sony says reasonable consumers understand licensing and points to its End-User License Agreement stating software is licensed, not sold.
In late August, Sony emailed PlayStation users reminding them of the terms governing digital game licenses.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 the Ninth Circuit in Vernor v. Autodesk held that software licenses, not sales, escape the first-sale doctrine, using a three-factor test. The decision influenced later disputes, such as the 2013 Kirtsaeng ruling that extended first sale to foreign-made copies. Sony Interactive Entertainment now faces a 2024 class action alleging PlayStation Store buttons hide licensing, and California’s AB 2426 could force clearer disclosures.

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Story summary

Sony Interactive Entertainment is sued in a U.S. class action filed June 18 over digital game licensing.
Four plaintiffs claim the PlayStation Store’s “Buy Now” and “Confirm Purchase” buttons mislead buyers into believing they own games.
California’s 2024 AB 2426 law, effective 2025, mandates separate disclosures that digital purchases are licenses, not sales.
Sony says reasonable consumers understand licensing and points to its End-User License Agreement stating software is licensed, not sold.
In late August, Sony emailed PlayStation users reminding them of the terms governing digital game licenses.

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