Apple Watch Faces Import Ban After ITC Ruling on Masimo Patent Violation

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued an order that could potentially bar Apple from importing its Apple Watches. The decision comes after the ITC found that the devices violate the patent rights of medical technology company Masimo.

Specifically, Apple's use of light-based technology for reading blood-oxygen levels infringes on Masimo's rights, according to Bloomberg.

Presidential Review and Possible Appeals Await the Decision

Reuters reported that while the ITC ruling will not have an immediate effect, it now faces review by President Joe Biden's administration. The administration will have 60 days to determine whether to veto the import ban based on policy concerns before it goes into effect.

It is worth noting that presidents rarely veto bans in these circumstances. Additionally, Apple can appeal the ban to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit after the review period ends.

Masimo Chief Executive Officer Joe Kiani has expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating that it "sends a powerful message that even the world's largest company is not above the law."

The ITC decision, however, did not specify which models of Apple Watches would be affected by the ban. Masimo's original complaint mentioned that the 2020 Apple Watch Series 6, which introduced blood-oxygen monitoring capabilities, infringed on its patents.

Intellectual Property Fight Between Apple and Masimo

The dispute between Apple and Masimo spans several jurisdictions and began with Masimo accusing Apple of stealing its technology and incorporating it into multiple Apple Watch models. In May, a jury trial on Masimo's allegations in a California federal court ended with a mistrial.

In addition to the ITC case, Apple has separately sued Masimo for patent infringement in federal court in Delaware. Apple claims that Masimo's legal actions are a tactical move to clear the path for its competing smartwatch.

Apple is also involved in a patent dispute with medical technology company AliveCor, which has led to an ITC-issued ban on Apple Watch imports. However, the ban is currently on hold during related proceedings concerning the validity of AliveCor's patents.

According to a company report, Apple's wearables, home, and accessory business, including the Apple Watch, AirPods earbuds, and other products, produced an impressive revenue of $8.28 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

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