In a blow to Apple, a ban on certain Apple smartwatch models has come into effect in the United States. The ban, imposed by the United States International Trade Commission (ITC), stems from a ruling on patent infringements related to the detection of blood-oxygen levels. The ITC decided in October to ban Apple Watch models after a complaint made by medical device maker Masimo Corp. The complaint accused Apple of infringing on Masimo's patented "light-based oximetry functionality."
Apple has vehemently contested the ITC finding, arguing that it was in error and should be overturned. However, the Biden administration, under the guidance of Ambassador Katherine Tai, decided not to reverse the determination, thereby allowing the ban to take effect on December 26, 2023. Apple, in response, paused sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States. The company has been steadily enhancing the fitness and health features of its smartwatch and has positioned itself as a dominant player in the market.
The legal dispute between Apple and Masimo revolves around the blood oxygen feature found in Apple Watches. This feature enables users to measure the level of oxygen in their blood, a crucial health indicator. Low blood oxygen levels can lead to serious health problems. The ITC ruled that Apple had unlawfully used Masimo's blood oxygen technology in its devices and ordered the tech giant to halt imports of the infringing watches.
Masimo had accused Apple of copying its technology and initiated a trial in May. However, the trial ended in a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Apple, not content with defending itself, filed two patent infringement lawsuits against Masimo, further escalating the legal battle.
Apple's decision to halt sales of the affected watches was a preemptive measure in case the ITC ruling was upheld by a presidential panel. The company expressed its strong disagreement with the ruling and exclusion order and stated that it was taking all necessary steps to return the banned watches to customers in the United States as soon as possible. Apple has the option to appeal the ban to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The ban specifically targets the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, while other models, including the more affordable Apple Watch SE, remain unaffected. The pause in sales will undoubtedly impact Apple's bottom line, as the Apple Watch is a significant revenue generator, contributing to the company's dominance in the smartwatch category.
Masimo, the medical tech company that filed the complaint against Apple, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The ban represents a significant setback for Apple, as it seeks to continue its groundbreaking advancements in health and wellness features with each new generation of its smartwatches. The company's commitment to empowering users with industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features remains unchanged, despite the ongoing legal challenges.
