Dbrand ignores Sony's legal objections and releases Darkplates 2.0 side plates for the PS5

At the launch of the Darkplates, Dbrand was so sure that it would not face legal action from Sony that it goaded the company into bringing legal action anyway. Specifically, Dbrand included the message 'Go ahead, sue us' on its Darkplates product listing, which are 1:1 replicas of the PS5's stock side plates. Sony does not sell replacement PS5 side plates, despite showcasing how simple it is to remove them.

While Dbrand has been selling Darkplates for a month or so, it turns out that Sony was not all that happy about it doing so. Writing on Reddit, Dbrand explained that it received a cease and desist (C&S) letter from lawyers representing Sony, which raised three requirements to prevent Sony from commencing legal action.

1. Promptly and permanently cease and take down all marketing and promotion for and cease all sales worldwide of faceplates featuring the product configuration of SIE's PSS faceplates or any similar product configuration, including without limitation all faceplates currently for sale at dbrand com;
2. Promptly and permanently cease and take down all marketing and promotion for and cease all sales worldwide of products or packaging bearing the PlayStation Family Mark, the Modified Shape Mark Design, any other PlayStation Mark, or any other indicia of SIE; and
3. Promptly and permanently cease and take down all use worldwide of the PlayStation Marks, any similar marks, and any other marks, branding or indicia associated with SIE or its affiliates, including without limitation within product names.

Initially, Dbrand took down Darkplates and outlined its issues with Sony's C&S letter. In short, Dbrand did not believe that Sony's lawyers had made a case for why it could not sell PS5 side plates. Sony has not publicly commented on the matter, but Dbrand has already started selling Darkplates 2.0. The revised side plates support lightstrips too, adding an element of colour to the PS5.

Dbrand sells Darkplates 2.0 in three matte black, retro grey and classic white. As the company explains on its website, Darkplates 2.0 has a more rounded design than its predecessor and includes fan cut-outs for improved airflow. Darkplates 2.0 are available for US$59.05; new orders will begin shipping in January 2022.

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