It's being reported that yesterday the Honorable Susan Illston denied Sony Computer Entertainment of America's motion for expedited discovery in its case against hacker George "GeoHot" Hotz, Hector Martin Cantero, Sven Peter and 100 John Does. We are currently classifying this under "rumor," however, as the only source we were able to locate as of publication was a questionable PDF at gaming forum, PSX-Scene.com. If MyCE acquires solid confirmation, we'll update this post as necessary.
The request for expedited discovery asked that web companies YouTube and Twitter (among others) share with Sony information on users who had viewed Hotz's original PS3 'jailbreak' video and tweeted about the 'jailbreak,' respectively. If the files are to be trusted, SCEA's next courtroom appearance will be on March 11, 2011 when Hon. Susan Illston is set to rule on the Temporary Restraining Order approved late January.
That TRO, which had been granted sans a hearing, was widely considered a boon for SCEA. Under it, Hotz was ordered to turn over all computer equipment and refrain from posting any information concerning PS3 'jailbreaking.' We soon may know if that holds up in court as well.
MyCE reached out to Stewart Kellar - the lawyer representing Hotz - and Sony for confirmation of this news. We have yet to receive a reply from either.
