Bose has filed a complaint accusing Beats Electronics of infringing its patents relate dto headphone noise-canceling technology. The complaint, filed Friday with the International Trade Commission, alleges that the Beats Studio and Beats Studio Wireless headphones used patented technology owned by Bose.

"To protect its investments, Bose has sought patent protection, and owns many patents and patent applications. Because Bose invests heavily in research and development, and because Bose has built its reputation on producing superior products through innovative technology, Bose’s continued success depends in substantial part on its ability to establish, maintain, and protect its proprietary technology through enforcement of its patent rights," said Bose in its complaint.

The patents relate to a method that uses a microphone within a headphone to detect unwanted ambient noise.

Bose said its patented technology is used in its QuietComfort 20 and QuietComfort 20i headphones. The company wants the commission to investigate the matter and ban imports and sales of the infringing Beats headphones.

In May, Beats agreed to be purchased by Apple for $3 billion.