Rival files patent suit against Apple

Singapore's Creative Technology, a maker of portable media players, has filed a lawsuit against Apple Computer accusing the iPod maker of infringing on one of Creative's patents, according to an Associated Press report.

The report said Creative also filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission.

The report said Creative alleged in both complaints that Apple was violating its patent on a navigation system and method for organizing and accessing music on portable players.

Creative dubbed the patent, the "Zen patent," after its brand-name Zen media players, the report said.

In the lawsuit filed in US District Court in San Francisco, Creative sought an injunction and unspecified damages, the report said.

In its complaint with the trade commission, Creative asked the federal organization to launch a patent violation investigation and force Apple to stop selling the iPod, the report said.