Bose Files Lawsuit Against Apple-Owned Beats Electronics

Audio headphones-maker Bose is suing Apple-owned Beats Electronics for patent infringement.

Bose claimed in its filing that the headgear designed by Beats violates five of its patents, all consisting of the noise-canceling ability. According to the paperwork that was filed on July 25, Bose believes that Beats Studio and Studio Wireless headphones specifically violated its copyrighted technology.

The five patents in their discussion are:

• US 6,717,537 - Method and apparatus for minimizing latency in digital signal processing systems
• US 8,073,150 - Dynamically configurable ANR signal processing topology
• US 8,073,151 - Dynamically configurable ANR filter block topology
• US 8,054,992 - High frequency compensating topology
• US 8,345,888 - Digital high frequency phase compensation

"To protect its investments, Bose has sought patent protection, and owns many patents and patent applications," Bose attorneys said in the filing. They are seeking compensation for damages.

"Because Bose invests heavily in research and development, and because Bose has built its reputation on producing superior products through innovative technology, Bose's continued success depends in substantial part on its ability to establish, maintain, and protect its proprietary technology through enforcement of its patent rights."

The company seeks a jury trial on the matter. There has yet to be a judge designated for the assignment.

Bose demands that Beats declare infringement of the aforementioned patents, and award for damages.

Beat has yet to respond to the matter.

The lawsuit comes early in the events of beats being purchased by Apple and expanding their influence.

Although the infusion of cash could make beats a viable target for lawsuits, their alliance with Apple leaves them in good hands as Apple has much experience fighting patent litigation, especially with their long-running courtroom battle with Samsung and other Android hardware vendors over Apple's products.

Bose filed the infringement complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. They also ask the U.S. International Trade Commission to check up on the matter.