Minneapolis-based snowmobile-maker Polaris Industries Inc. has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Quebec's Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. in U.S. District Court over the suspension systems used in snowmobiles.

Polaris accused BRP of violating the patents after receiving written notice from Polaris about its allegations.

"We have a respectful relationship with BRP, but we always have and always will vigorously defend our intellectual property," the company said in a statement.

The claims by Polaris, which sells all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and motorcycles, have not been proven in court.

Quebec-based Bombardier Recreational Products manufactures and sells snowmobiles, personal watercraft, boats, all-terrain vehicles and engines.