SINGAPORE : Creative Technology has been awarded the "Zen"
patent in the US, giving it a much-needed boost in the battle for
supremacy in the MP3 player market.
The patent is for Creative's invention of the user interface for
portable media players.
It is found in Creative's MP3 players and could also be found in
some competing players, such as the Apple iPod and iPod mini.
Creative said the patent covers the way music tracks are selected
on a device using a hierarchy of three or more successive
screens.
"The first portable media player based upon the user interface
covered in our Zen Patent was our NOMAD Jukebox MP3 player," said
Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and CEO of Creative, in a statement.
He also noted that Creative had shipped the NOMAD Jukebox to US
retail customers in Sept 2000.
The award may allow Creative to collect royalties from its
competitors.
The MP3 player market is highly competitive, with Creative trying
to gain market share on the leader Apple.
Creative recently posted its first quarterly loss in three
years.
It has just launched its new X-Fi audio standard in a bid to shore
up its revenue and profit margins. - CNA /ct/ch
HO HO HO!!! 
Looks like they are going to receive a buttload of cash. I say: Buy
this share!!!