Xiaomi taken to court by Coolpad

Smartphone maker Coolpad has taken technology giant Xiaomi to court and into the spotlight over alleged patent infringements, a move timed alongside China's ramping up of intellectual property rights protection.

Dismissing the idea that Coolpad is simply trying to squeeze hush money from Xiaomi on the eve of the latter's Hong Kong listing, Coolpad chief intellectual property officer Zhang Na told a news conference in Hong Kong on Friday that the litigation fits with policymakers' growing focus on IP protection and enforcement.

Also on Friday, Xiaomi said it has filed a request to declare Coolpad's patents invalid, adding that its business remains well-run and products are selling well.