Apple challenges a ban on its watches after Masimo’s complaint of patent infringement. The U.S. International Trade Commission barred imports of Apple Watches with blood-oxygen reading tech. Apple seeks to halt the ban until Customs decides on redesigned watches. The ban affects Series 9 and Ultra 2 models.
AT A GLANCE
- Apple Appeals Watch Ban: Apple has appealed against a ban on importing its watches following a complaint from medical tech company Masimo, accusing Apple of patent infringement.
- Emergency Request to Halt Ban: Apple filed an emergency request with the U.S. Court of Appeals to stop the ban, seeking a pause until Customs decides on redesigned watches and during the court’s consideration.
- Masimo’s Allegations: Masimo claims Apple stole its technology, hired its employees, and used pulse oximetry in Apple Watch. The ban, issued by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), blocks watches measuring blood-oxygen levels.
- U.S. Trade Representative’s Decision: Despite Apple’s appeal, the U.S. Trade Representative upheld the ban, stating it became final on Dec. 26, after careful consultations.
- Apple Disagrees and Appeals: Apple strongly disagrees with the ITC decision, appealing to the U.S. Court of Appeals, expressing intentions to return affected watches to customers as soon as possible.
- Impact on Sales and Business: Apple has paused sales of affected smartwatches in the U.S., but other retailers still offer them. The ban does not affect older models or less expensive Apple Watch SE. Analysts predict a potential appeal might extend the case verdict by about a year.
Apple Fights Ban on Latest Watches in Patent Dispute with Masimo
Big Tech Battle Over Blood Oxygen Tech
Apple is up against a major obstacle in the U.S. market: a ban on importing its latest Apple Watch models. This ban stems from a patent dispute with Masimo, a medical technology company, over blood oxygen monitoring technology. Let’s dive into the details of this case and explore what it means for Apple and its customers.
What Happened?
- Masimo Accuses Apple: Masimo claims that Apple stole its pulse oximetry technology, which measures blood oxygen levels, and used it in the Apple Watch Series 6 and later models. They believe this infringes on their patents.
- Government Ruling: The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) agreed with Masimo and issued an import ban on the affected Apple Watch models. This means Apple can’t bring them into the country for sale.
- Apple Appeals: Apple disagrees with the ITC’s decision and has appealed it to the U.S. Court of Appeals. They also asked the court to temporarily halt the ban while the appeal is ongoing.
- Biden Administration Approves Ban: President Biden’s administration decided not to veto the ITC’s ruling, allowing the import ban to take effect.
Impact on Apple and Customers
- Apple Watch Sales Paused: Apple has stopped selling the banned models in the U.S., but they are still available from other retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
- Lower-Cost Watch Unaffected: The ban doesn’t apply to the Apple Watch SE, a less expensive model.
- Potential Appeal Delay: If Apple’s appeal is successful, the ban could be lifted. However, experts predict it could take another year for the legal process to play out.
Why is This Important?
- Patent Protection: This case highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property and enforcing patent rights.
- Innovation and Competition: The outcome could impact competition in the smartwatch market and the development of health-related features in these devices.
- Consumer Choice: Apple Watch users may have limited options while the ban remains in place.
What’s Next?
- Apple’s Appeal: The court will decide whether to uphold the ITC’s ruling or grant Apple’s request to pause the ban.
- Legal Battle: The legal battle between Apple and Masimo is likely to continue in court.
- Redesigned Watches? Apple may try to design around Masimo’s patents or remove the infringing feature from future Apple Watch models.
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Source(s): Reuters
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