Apple has announced its decision to appeal a recent U.S. import ban on its latest smartwatch models. This comes after the Biden administration chose not to veto a ruling on patent infringements. As a result of the ban, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are no longer available for purchase in stores or online.
The ban is the latest development in a series of legal battles among major tech companies over valuable patents. Google has also been engaged in a court dispute with Sonos over speaker technology. The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) had previously decided to prohibit the sale of the Apple Watch models due to a patented technology for detecting blood-oxygen levels.
Masimo Corp, a medical device maker, filed a complaint against Apple in mid-2021, accusing the company of infringing on their patented light-based oximetry functionality. Despite Apple’s appeal and request for reversal of the ITC’s decision, the ban officially went into effect on December 26, 2023.
While the U.S. president’s office possesses the authority to overturn import bans, such actions are rarely taken. The office of the US Trade Representative stated that Ambassador Katherine Tai chose not to reverse the determination made by the ITC, solidifying the ban.
Masimo expressed satisfaction with the ban, stating that it champions the integrity of the U.S. patent system and benefits American consumers by rewarding true innovation.
Apple, on the other hand, strongly disagrees with the USITC’s decision and exclusion order. The company has filed an appeal in a U.S. federal court, arguing that the ITC’s finding was mistaken and should be overturned. Despite this, Apple had already removed the banned smartwatch models from its online store on December 21, and retail locations ceased sales on December 24, just before the holiday season.
Masimo alleges that it originally developed the technology in question and claims that Apple hired its employees to gain access to this knowledge. Apple has been progressively incorporating more fitness and health features into its Apple Watch series, which dominates the smartwatch market. The most recent Apple Watch Series 9 boasts enhanced performance and health data tracking capabilities.
Previously, Apple accused Masimo of attempting to prevent millions of U.S. consumers from accessing a potentially lifesaving product while simultaneously preparing to launch its own watch that emulates Apple’s designs. A trial held in May regarding Masimo’s allegations resulted in a mistrial as jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict.
Moreover, Masimo obtained regulatory clearance from U.S. regulators in November to use its own wrist-worn product for both prescription and over-the-counter purposes. Apple responded by filing two patent infringement lawsuits against Masimo, claiming that they copied Apple Watch technology.
Apple remains determined to overturn the ban and reintroduce the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the United States as soon as possible. The tech giant intends to pursue all available measures to achieve this goal.
In conclusion, Apple’s decision to appeal the import ban on its latest smartwatch models follows the Biden administration’s choice not to veto a ruling on patent infringements. The ban, which prohibits the sale of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, went into effect on December 26, 2023. Apple maintains that the ban is based on an erroneous finding by the ITC and is confident in its appeal. Meanwhile, Masimo views the ban as a victory for the integrity of the U.S. patent system and innovation.
