Wed Jun 14, 2006 1:32pm ET

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. International Trade Commission has launched a probe into whether Apple Computer Inc.`s (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) iPod digital music player infringes on a Creative Technology Ltd. (CREA.SI: Quote, Profile, Research)(CREAF.O: Quote, Profile, Research) patent, Creative said on Wednesday.

The probe marks the latest in a string of legal scrapes between Apple, maker of the market-leading iPod, and Singapore- based Creative, the world`s number two MP3 player maker. Earlier in June, Apple filed a second patent infringement lawsuit in the United States against Creative, which itself has filed patent complaints against Apple in a federal court.

Creative on Wednesday filed a complaint alleging Apple imported into the United States and sold iPod devices that infringe on Creative`s ``Zen`` patent, which covers the user interface in its Nomad and Zen portable digital media players.

Creative asked the ITC to issue a permanent exclusion order and a permanent cease and desist order against Apple.

Representatives for Cupertino, California-based Apple were not immediately available for comment on Wednesday.

Creative said the case will be referred to Administrative Law Judge Paul Luckern, who will hold hearings and make an initial determination as to whether a violation was committed. The commission typically issues a ruling about 12 months to 15 months after an investigation starts.

Apple shares eased 81 cents to $57.52 in afternoon trading on Nasdaq, while Creative rose 29 cents, or 6.1 percent, to $5.01.