January 06, 2014 - 9:52 AM
TORONTO - Typo Products says it will defend itself against BlackBerry over claims that the startup company's new keyboard case for iPhones rips off the Canadian company's famous design.
The Los Angeles-based company, which was co-founded by "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest, says the BlackBerry lawsuit lacks merit.
Last week, BlackBerry (TSX:BB) accused Typo of copying its keyboard design in an effort to capitalize on the smartphone maker's "commercial recognition and goodwill.''
None of the allegations has been tested in court.
The Typo case attaches to an iPhone 5 or 5S, the most recent models of Apple's smartphone, which has a touchscreen keyboard.
Typo says it still plans to debut the phone case this week at the Consumer Electronics Show, a major annual event that opens Tuesday in Las Vegas.
BlackBerry shares were 26 cents higher at $8.35 near midday on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2014