Creative accuses Apple

Creative Technology today , and said it would consider every option available to defend the patent, including possible legal action. Apple declined to comment on the patent, according to The New York Times. The "Zen Patent," awarded to Creative on August 9, covers the navigation of menus. Craig McHugh, president of Creative's United States operations said Apple was the only company that Creative had identified so far that was in violation of the patent, although Creative was investigating others, according to the report. Apple may request that the patent office re-examine the patent, which would require Apple to provide evidence of "prior art" in court to prove that similar technology existed previous to Creative's use of the technology.

by MacNN Staff