ZapMedia Services Inc. is suing computer giant Apple Inc. alleging patent infringement related to the company's popular iTunes and iPod technology.

The suit, filed in Texas, seeks unspecified damages.

Atlanta-based ZapMedia Services claims in the late 1990s its predecessor company, ZapMedia Inc., invented and patented a system "by which it could provide hardware, software and content to consumers to allow them to gain control over their digital media assets."

ZapMedia said it met with many major technology and media companies around the world, including Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), to describe its vision. Without asking ZapMedia for permission, Apple came out with its iPod MP3 player with an integrated iTunes software application in October 2001 and its iTunes store in April 2003. From June 2006 through the fall 2007, ZapMedia made Apple aware of the patents and their availability for license.

"When someone takes our vision and our intellectual property without a license after several attempts, we have no option but to protect it through every means available to us," said Robert J. Frohwein, general counsel of ZapMedia Services.

ZapMedia is being represented by Hill, Kertscher & Wharton LLP.