It was earlier announced by both Nike and Apple that the Nike+iPod exercise solution will be available in retail stores. Since then, the apparel had enjoyed tremendous commercial success. However, it seems that it isn't going to be smooth sailing from now on because the companies are facing a patent suit over the product.

Leaper Footwear, LLC owners Greg and Kenny Anderson filed the case this Monday in the United States District Court for The District of Utah Central Division. According to the two Andersons, they've created a similar product back in 1995 and was able to successfully had it patented in 1998.

The counsel for Leaper Footwear then sent a letter to Nike saying that the shoe maker take a license to the Anderson's patent. Nike, allegedly, wrote back two weeks after stating that it had "no interest in pursuing the idea." Part of the said suit reads:

Nike and Apple have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in infringing sales of iPod Nanos, Nike+ shoes, and Nike+iPod Sport Kits, easily exposing them to liability in the tens of millions of dollars for their infringement of Leapers patent.

It is further believed that Nike and Apples infringement has spawned additional revenues through sales of products related to the Nike+iPod system, such as the Nike Amp+ bracelet.

Nike and Apple have yet to make official statements and actions regarding the matter.