Apple is challenging a US International Trade Commission (ITC) ban on importing its latest smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, following a ruling that deemed the products infringed on patents related to blood oxygen sensory technology owned by medical technology firm Masimo. The ban, implemented in October, does not impact the less-expensive Apple Watch SE or previously sold models. Apple, in court documents filed on Tuesday, asserted that the ruling would cause “irreparable harm” to the company if not overturned.
The company has appealed the decision to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, expressing strong disagreement with the USITC’s ruling. The USITC had determined that Apple violated patents associated with blood oxygen sensory technology developed by Masimo. The latest versions of the affected watches feature a pulse oximeter designed to measure blood oxygen levels. Apple has maintained its innocence, accusing Masimo of copying its own products and countersuing the medical technology company for patent infringement.
The ITC decision is viewed by Masimo as a victory for the integrity of the US patent system and American consumers. As part of its compliance with the ITC ruling, Apple has halted online and in-store retail sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, customers can still purchase these products outside the United States and through retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The Biden administration has declined to reverse the ITC decision, and Masimo sees it as a triumph for the US patent system. The legal dispute between Apple and Masimo began in 2021, with a jury trial in California federal court ending in a mistrial in May.
