Jawbone sues to block imports of Fitbit trackers

Jawbone is asking a trade regulator to block rival firm Fitbit from importing its fitness trackers into the United States.

The company alleges that Fitbit is infringing on some of its patents and poached many of its employees in an attempt to copy its devices.

{mosads}Jawbone has filed two lawsuits against its rival, which went public last month, based on the allegations.

On Wednesday, the company also filed a complaint with the International Trade Commission, a federal agency that has some authority over products being shipped across U.S. borders.

In the complaint, Jawbone asks the agency to issue an order stopping Fitbit trackers or parts that allegedly violate their patents at the border. It also asks the agency to block imports of products it claims were created using the allegedly stolen trade secrets.

The company is also seeking a cease-and-desist order on the sale or marketing of fitness trackers it says violate the patents.

They asked that the agency aim to settle the case within 15 months.

Fitbit told Bloomberg that it would “defend itself vigorously against all allegations made in the complaint.”

The company has beaten out its competitors, like Jawbone, to become the major player in the activity tracker market. As more Americans adopt wearable technology, it’s proven to be a lucrative market.

Fitbit is profitable, and its share price has risen by more than $10 since it went public less than a month ago.