Apple Sues Patent Holder Burst.com

Apple this week asked a federal court to invalidate claims by Burst.com that it is infringing on patents owned by the company. At issue are certain technologies within Apple's iPod player and iTunes software that Burst says are not properly licensed.

Burst attempted to settle with Apple two years ago, when Burst lawyers first informed the Cupertino company that it was illegally infringing on patents. Apple attempted to negotiate a deal, but talks broke down.

The first threats of legal action came late last year, when Burst wrote to Apple saying it intended to sue. Apple in turn filed a declaratory relief complaint. Burst says it intends to file a countersuit accusing Apple of patent infringement.

Burst is no stranger to litigation with large tech companies. In March, the company settled with Microsoft for $60 million over allegations that Redmond used trade information obtained from several meetings with Burst to develop software to stream audio and video over the Internet.

It was not immediately clear what damages Burst is seeking from Apple in the lawsuit.