Apple Computer Inc. has filed a lawsuit against handheld scanner maker Unova Inc. for infringing on six of Apple’s technology patents.
In the lawsuit Apple wants to ban Unova from selling products based on the patented technology, according to a Bloomberg report. Specifically, Apple claims Unova’s Intermec unit is using the patented technology in software and scanners that are handheld or mounted on vehicles and used by delivery people or warehouse workers.
This isn’t the first time the two companies have waged battle against one another. Unova sued Apple, Fujitsu Ltd., Gateway Inc., NEC Corp., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. and Dell Computer Corp. last May for infringing on its smart battery patent used in notebook computers.
Unova’s smart battery patent is used to monitor use and recharging of portable computer batteries.
“It appears to be a tactical response by Apple, filed in response to our lawsuit against them in 2002 for infringement of Unova’s smart battery patents,” said Unova spokesman David Brooks.
Contacted by MacCentral, Apple representatives declined to comment on the lawsuit.