Apple has sued digital music player rival Creative Technology, accusing the company of infringing on four of its patents. The lawsuit, filed in a Wisconsin District Court, was apparently launched on May 15, the same day Creative sued Apple for patent infringement.
“Creative proactively held discussions with Apple in our efforts to explore amicable solutions,” Phil O’Shaughnessy, a spokesman for Creative, told Bloomberg News . “At no time during these discussions or at any other time did Apple mention to us the patents it raised in its lawsuit.”
Creative’s lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, seeks damages and an injunction against Apple for its willful infringement of what it calls the “Zen Patent.” Creative claims the patent covers the user interface used by the iPod.
Creative also filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission requesting that the Commission investigate whether Apple violated the Tariff Act by importing and selling iPods.
Creative is seeking an exclusion order, and a cease and desist order against Apple, which would effectively prevent the company from importing, selling or marketing the iPod products.
Apple representatives were not immediately available for comment. Typically, Apple does not comment on pending litigation.