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Apple claims that the US division of Singapore-based Creative has infringed four patents pertaining to portable music players.

The lawsuit was filed the same day that Creative sued Apple over an alleged violation of its patent.

Apple does not comment on ongoing legal matters but Creative were not so coy.

'Creative proactively held discussions with Apple in our efforts to explore amicable solutions,' said spokesman Phil O'Shaughnessy. 'At no time during these discussions or at any other time did Apple mention to us the patents it raised in its lawsuit.'

Creative has also filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission in an attempt to persuade it to block iPod imports from Asia, where the devices are assembled, the International Herald Tribune reports.