The diversified technology and manufacturing company announced on Monday it is suing the startup over alleged infringement of seven of its thermostat tech patents.
The patents are, among other things, related to use of natural language, user interfaces, a thermostat's inner design, an electric circuit used to divert power from the user's home electrical system to provide power to a thermostat and controlling a thermostat with information stored in a remote location. The lawsuit also names Best Buy, which sells the Nest Labs thermostat.
"From our iconic 'round thermostat' to the first programmable and simple-to-use touch screen thermostats, Honeywell is known for setting the standard in home comfort and energy efficiency." said Beth Wozniak, the president of Honeywell Environmental and Combustion Controls, in a statement.
Among diverse products that range from aerospace products to transportation systems, Honewell sells a line of programmable and manual thermostats. Some of its thermostats, like those made by other companies, are round or have touch screens -- both features of Nest that Wozniak referenced. Take a look at some of Nest's other features in the gallery below.
Mashable has contacted Nest Labs and will update this article when we hear back.
Updated: Nest Labs tells Mashable it only heard of the lawsuit when Honeywell issued a press release this morning and have not yet reviewed it.