The US may ban Apple from importing Apple Watch smartwatches
Apple has been engaged in a long-running legal battle with Masimo, which accuses it of patent infringement. And Apple’s situation is not good: it has already suffered major defeats in court.
What it means
The stumbling block was the function of measuring blood oxygen levels, which appeared in the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020 and is used in almost every new model after that (except for the SE).
Back in 2013, Apple reportedly contacted Masimo to discuss possible cooperation. Instead, Apple used these meetings to gain information and experience, as well as to hire some Masimo employees before the launch of the Apple Watch. Masimo now claims that Apple has stolen confidential information and is infringing on patents for some of the technologies available in the Apple Watch.
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) seems to agree. It upheld the judge’s January ruling that Apple had infringed Masimo’s patents. The ITC may now ban the sale of Apple Watch smartwatches in the United States. However, it is not clear which models – only the Apple Watch Series 6 (which is no longer officially sold) or all generations with the function of measuring blood oxygen levels.
But the ban will not take effect immediately. First, U.S. President Joe Biden and his administration can veto the decision (or not) within 60 days. Second, Apple will be able to appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
