Apple plans to appeal after its latest smartwatch sales were halted in the United States due to a patent dispute, prompting the tech giant to contest the decision.
The White House declined to reverse the ban on sales and imports of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches, which took effect recently.
This action by the US International Trade Commission (USITC) aimed to safeguard Masimo, a device maker alleging that Apple unlawfully acquired its technology and employees.
Expressing strong disagreement with the ruling, Apple had earlier removed the devices from its US stores and website as a preemptive measure.
However, sales outside the US remain unaffected. The ban, issued by the USITC in October and subject to presidential review, lapsed on Christmas Day without intervention.
Despite Apple’s plea for a stay on the ban, the United States Trade Representative decided not to reverse the USITC’s verdict following thorough consultations.
Apple awaits a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) decision on January 12 concerning redesigned watch versions that exclude the disputed technology, potentially violating Masimo’s patents.
The USITC’s ruling in October found Apple in violation of two patents owned by Masimo Corporation, which accused Apple of talent poaching and technology theft related to blood oxygen measurement.
The ban applies to most Apple smartwatch models featuring the disputed feature since 2020, excluding the lower-cost SE models and previously sold watches.
Apple has taken emergency steps, filing a request with the US Court of Appeals to lift the ban.
In response, the tech giant remains determined to bring back the affected smartwatches to US customers at the earliest.
Masimo views the White House’s decision as a triumph for the US patent system and American consumers, praising the move as beneficial for innovation and integrity.
Source-BBC
