BetaNews | Sun Partner Cries Foul in Patent Spat:


Mountain View, Calif.-based Java hardware company Azul filed for declaratory relief in order to "protect the interests of the company" from Sun Microsystems, the company said in a statement Wednesday.

Azul says Sun is attempting to force the company into paying an "exorbitant" sum of money to settle patent infringement allegations, as well as demanding part ownership of Azul and high up-front fees and royalties on the hardware the company sells.

If Azul does not comply, Sun has threatened with legal action, according to the allegations.

"Attempts to reach an agreement failed when Sun gave Azul an ultimatum: accept its final proposal or face litigation," Azul said in a statement. The company says the issues surround claims that it has misappropriated trade secrets and infringed on Sun's patents.