ITC investigates Apple's legal claims against Kodak

Trade body is taking allegations of patent infringement seriously

Apple is involved in a number of patent disputes

Apple's complaint that Kodak violated two of its digital camera patents will now be investigated by the US International Trade Commission (ITC).

Apple filed the complaint in April and asked the ITC to block the importation and sale of Kodak digital cameras in the US.

Kodak filed its own complaint with the ITC in January, alleging that both Apple and RIM had infringed patents relating to its digital imaging technology. The company also accused Apple of infringing patents relating to its digital cameras.

When Kodak instigated legal action against Apple, the firm said that it was open to negotiating a licensing deal with Apple and RIM.

Technology patent disputes have been on the increase recently, especially concerning Apple.

HTC announced yesterday that it has issued a countersuit against Apple claiming infringement of five smartphone patents. Apple had previously filed a suit alleging that HTC had violated 20 patents relating to the iPhone's user interface, hardware and architecture.

Also this week, Nokia filed a legal action against Apple claiming that the iPhone and iPad 3G products infringe on five Nokia patents relating to enhanced speech and data transmission.