The technology space is marred with battles over who owns the rights to the hottest trends and toys in the marketplace. Apple and Samsung have a long history of sparring over the patents and trade secrets behind their latest smartphones, and in the late 1990s, border wars between anti-virus software providers were a commonality. Now as the wearable space gains traction, patent disputes are flaring up.
On July 8, Jawbone, the creators of the Up fitness band, filed a complaint with the International Trade Commission that alleges Fitbit Inc. infringed on as many as six patents that track the activity levels and sleeping habits of users. Jawbone is seeking a cease-and-desist order against Fitbit that would prohibit the sale of their products in the United States, as well as damages that would cover the research of the patents.
