Creative Technology Seeks To Ban iPod Over Patent Dispute.

Source: BBC News

Creative Technology claims that the navigational menu on the iPod infringes on its patent for its own Zen MP3 player.

If a US International Trade Commission and/or the San Francisco federal district court agrees, the iPod and its flashy commercials may be dancing into history.

Digital music player maker Creative Technology has asked a US court to ban Apple from selling or marketing its iconic iPods in the US.

Creative claims that the navigational menu used for finding and playing music on the iPod, violates its patent for its own Zen MP3 player.

It applied for the patent in 2001 which was granted in August 2005.

Since then it has been threatening legal action. The complaint was lodged at the San Francisco district court.

Through the court it is seeking an injunction and increased damages for what it says is a "wilful infringement of the Zen patent".

Creative said it had also filed a complaint to the US International Trade Commission, asking it to investigate whether Apple had breached import laws by selling iPods and the iPod Nano.

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