Sony Fights Back: Do You Own Your PS Games?

Sony is contesting a class-action lawsuit in California concerning the ownership of digital PlayStation games. The company's central defense, filed with a federal court on August 21, 2026, asserts that reasonable consumers understand they are acquiring a license, not full ownership, upon purchase. This argument is crucial for Sony's defense against claims that buttons like "Buy Now" are misleading.

The lawsuit, filed in June 2026 by four California customers, highlights the conflict between Sony's checkout language and its licensing agreements. Plaintiffs contend that terms implying ownership are deceptive, especially under California's AB 2426. This law, effective January 2025, restricts the use of sales terms that suggest outright ownership for licensed digital goods.

Sony further points to the purchase timing of two plaintiffs who bought the same game, Resident Evil Requiem, eleven days apart. This sequence, they argue, demonstrates that the expectation of owning a unique copy was not reasonable. This detail supports Sony's claim that confusion about ownership is not justified.

Beyond the ownership debate, Sony is requesting the entire dispute be moved to private arbitration, as stipulated in its terms of service. If granted, this would bypass a potential jury trial and require claims to be pursued individually, significantly altering the scope of the legal fight. The judge has not yet ruled on this procedural request.