1. A few years ago we discovered that Sony Corporation had launched an early access hardware programme to road test innovative products which they’d called The Future Lab Program.

2. Since we’d made a name for ourselves working with Sony on new platform launches (PS Mobile/Vita/PS4/PSVR) we raised objection to their use of the name on the grounds it could cause confusion.

3. Sony immediately took this seriously, putting a team of lawyers on it. After some intense phone calls and a kind word from a certain beloved PlayStation executive, we were able to organise a face to face meeting with two of Sony’s Corporate lawyers who were in London.

4. After the very pleasant meeting, we asked what else the lawyers were up to whilst in the UK. That’s when we discovered they’d flown over especially to talk to us, with no previous appointments booked in London, and were heading straight back to Tokyo afterward.

5. Soon after this meeting, Sony decided to change their branding, website URL, marketing materials and any references to the title Future Lab going forward. We can’t possibly imagine the costs they swallowed to change direction on this project for our benefit.

6. We are deeply grateful to Sony for the professional courtesy they extended to our little studio; a mere drop in the ocean compared to their global operations.

7. That’s all. Have a nice day everyone. Stay safe.