Apple counter sues Creative

In response to Creative's lawsuit against Apple, Apple is countersuing Creative. The case, which centres on a patent dispute concerning the iPod's user interface, hangs on a claim by Apple that Creative Labs infringes four patents in its hand-held digital players. Originally, Creative sued Apple for similar patent infringements.

Such a quick turnaround for Apple (who were the victims of legal action in these matters only just a few days ago) indicates that Apple has been waiting for this for some time, and has been poised to respond.

If Creative wins, they will seek to prohibit Apple from engaging in sales, marketing, importation or sale after importation into the United States of the iPod and iPod nano products. Basically, selling an iPod in America would be illegal. And if Apple wins? Well, Creative will have a lot of difficulties operating in the portable mp3 player space as a result.