Telecom major Motorola has slapped lawsuits against Apple for violating 18 patents related to many key technologies used in iPhone and iPad.

The move comes close on the heels of Microsoft filing lawsuit against Motorola for alleged infringement of patents by the latter's Android-based phones.

Motorola on Wednesday said that Apple's iPhone, iPad, iTouch and certain Mac computers violate as many as 18 of the company's patents.

Motorola along with its handset division Motorola Mobility Inc has filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission, in addition to filing lawsuits in the Northern District of Illinois and the Southern District of Florida.

"Overall, Motorola Mobility's three complaints include 18 patents, which relate to early-stage innovations developed by Motorola in key technology areas, found on many of Apple's core products and associated services, including MobileMe and the App Store," the firm said in a statement.

The alleged patent infringements are related to wireless communication and smartphone technologies and antenna design.

The smartphone technologies in question are related to wireless email, proximity sensing, software application management, location-based services and multi-device synchronisation.

Motorola Mobility has sought a probe by the ITC into the alleged violations apart from requesting the authority to bar Apple's sale of infringing products in the US, among others.

"In the District Court actions, Motorola Mobility has requested that Apple cease using Motorola's patented technology and provide compensation for Apple's past infringement," the statement noted.

Motorola Mobility's corporate vice president of intellectual property Kirk Dailey pointed out that Apple has refused to take a license for the above mentioned patents despite lengthy negotiations between the two companies.

"We had no choice but to file these complaints to halt Apple's continued infringement. Motorola will continue to take all necessary steps to protect its R&D and intellectual property, which are critical to the company's business," Dailey added.