European customs ordered to seize all new PS3 shipments

Sony has some mounting problems in Europe.

Customs officials have been ordered to seize shipments of all PlayStation 3 shipments from the manufacturer and hold them in storage for at least 10 days. The orders come as LG has won a preliminary injunction against Sony in an ongoing patent dispute between the companies.

The Guardian reports that tens of thousands of PS3s were seized last week in the Netherlands and that Sony is "frantically" trying to get the order lifted. Retailers aren't expected to see any shortages for 2-3 weeks at least. 

At issue between the companies is LG's allegation that Sony used Blu-Ray technology owned by the Korean competitor in the PS3. The companies are bitter rivals and have other patent disputes simmering as well over other products.

LG is reportedly trying to get a similar order to prevent shipments to the U.S. as well, but so far has not been successful.