Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Creative Sues Apple

Since Creative can't come up with a descent MP3 player of their own, they've desided to make money the ol' American way and sue! Here's CNet News' take:

Singapore-based electronics maker Creative Technology said Monday that it has filed two legal actions against Apple Computer, charging the popular iPod infringes on its patented technology.

In a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission, Creative is seeking an injunction that would stop Apple from selling the iPod and iPod Nano in the United States. Separately, Creative said it has also sued Apple in U.S. District Court in California, seeking an injunction and damages.

In both cases, Creative says that the iPod and iPod Nano infringe on a patent the company has for the interface in its Zen media player, a patent granted last August.

Creative CEO Sim Wong Hoo said in December that the company would "aggressively pursue" those that infringed on its patent.

An Apple representative was not immediately available for comment.

Creative is not the first to seek a cut of Apple's iTunes and iPod revenue, citing patent issues. Pat-rights, a Hong Kong company, has said Apple's digital rights management technology infringes on its intellectual property, while another company, Contois Music & Technology, said the iTunes interface uses its patented technology.

(Via: CNet)

Hey if you can't beat 'em, steal it!

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