ITC Launches Probe in Creative vs. Apple Patent Dispute

[Suhit Gupta]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/itc-launches-probe-in-creative-vs-apple-patent-dispute' target='_blank'>http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/itc-launches-probe-in-creative-vs-apple-patent-dispute</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Creative Technology said today that the U.S. International Trade Commission has voted to launch an investigation into whether Apple’s iPod infringes on Creative’s U.S. Patent 6,928,433, which the company refers to as the “Zen Patent.” Creative filed the complaint with the ITC last month alongside a patent lawsuit against Apple. The company alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 regarding the importation of iPods into the U.S., which Creative claims infringe on its patent. Creative is requesting the blockage of iPod shipments into the country."</i><br /><br />In case you had missed the <a href="http://ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/creative-sues-apple-over-ipod-interface-seek-injunction-with-itc/">original story</a>, Creative was suing Apple over UI stuff (something surprising I guess given Apple's better UI). Anyways, the Zen Patent was awarded to Creative for its invention of the user interface for portable media players, something found in some competing players, such as the Apple iPod and iPod mini. You can read more about the <a href="http://ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/creative-wins-patent-for-portable-media-player-interface/">details on the patent here</a>. Anyways, I guess the ITC will decide this now.