Bose sues Beats over noise-canceling headphone patents

Bose on Friday sued Beats for infringing on patents for its noise-canceling headphones.

The audio equipment company claims Beats "specifically encourages" consumers to use noise cancellation in some of its headphones, according to the suit. Bose alleges Beats has continued to market and sell the noise cancellation in its Studio line of headphones.

Bose QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones.

Bose

The technology is designed to produce sound within the headphones while reducing outside noise. Bose claims noise cancellation is protected by "at least 27 U.S. patents and applications."

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Bose looks to receive damages and a tally of "infringing sales" from Beats products, the suit says. In addition, it hopes to prove that Beats willingly violated the patents.

Both companies didn't immediately respond to CNBC's requests for comment on the suit.

Apple acquired Beats for $3 billion in May.

— By CNBC staff