Creative Sues Apple For Patent Infringement

[Seanman]

I'm not sure where to put this, but if this is in the wrong place, a mod can move it.

MP3 player manufacturer Creative on Monday filed a lawsuit against Apple Computer for infringing on what Creative is calling the "Zen Patent." Creative claims the patent covers the user interface used by the iPod.

The 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 the patent.

Creative said the US Patent Office issued the patent covering the user interface on August 9, 2005. Since first shown at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2000, Creative said the interface has been used in its players, as well as other companies players, including Apple's 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.

The relationship between Apple and Creative has been tumultuous at best. Creative has, on more than one occasion, declared a marketing war against Apple and its iPod.

Apple representatives were not immediately available for comment. Typically, Apple does not comment on pending litigation.

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[James2097]

Its not surprising Creative want the iPod to go away!

This is such a general kinda accusation regarding this patent (which I've seen, and the iPod UI isn't exactly the same as detailed in the patent whatsoever), its just a misguided attempt to take down the market leader in MP3 players. Creative is going to lose, this is simply a desperate move to try and force Apple out of the MP3 player market.

iPods existed long before Creative's patent was filed. I'm sure it isn't relevant to Apple, who always file patents of their own whenever inventing something new. In fact, searching for new patents lodged by Apple is a great way of working out what products may come out in the future.

I'm absolutely sure Apple would've made sure that its leading product has no problems legally. Apple know how to win in court anyway - look at the recent circus in France.

 

[F1GTR]

Maybe if other companies marketed as agressively as Apple they wouldn't be suing them.

 

[Sting]

Bah, at least Creative products work, unlike a certain Nano which if I remember has been heavily critised because of how easy it can go wrong.... AS WELL AS Apple being aware that they were defective. Overpriced rubbish...

Hope Creative win!

 

[Touring Mars]

I agree with James2097 here... I think it's a tad too late to try to make Apple crumble...

 

[niky]

Ooh Ooh! Let's sue Sony for using joysticks!

I don't get what their point is, either... the UI isn't that similar.