Rival Accuses Fitbit of Patent Violations

SAN FRANCISCO (CN) - A competitor claims Fitbit violated its tech patents to make the "wearable devices" it sells to athletes and joggers.

San Francisco-based AliphCom, dba BodyMedia and Jawbone, claims Fitbit violates three patents filed by BodyMedia and Jawbone.

AliphCom's June 10 federal lawsuit follows a previous one, from May 27, in which it accused Fitbit of stealing employees and trade secrets to " decimate " AliphCom before Fitbit's initial public offering.

AliphCom in 2013 paid $100 million to buy BodyMedia, which was founded in 1999 and "helped pioneer the development of wearable body monitors that collect physiological data for use in improving health, wellness and fitness," AliphCom says in its new lawsuit.

It claims Fitbit violates patents to make its Zip, One, Flex, Charge, Charge HR, Surge and other products.

It seeks a permanent injunction, damages and costs.

AliphCom is represented by Kalpana Srinivasan, with Susman Godfrey.

Officials with AliphCom and Fitbit were not immediately available for comment Wednesday.

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