Credit: Unsplash
Smartwatch Sales Paused as Apple Contests USITC Recommendation in Blood Oxygen Detection Patent Battle.
In response to the United States International Trade Commission’s (USITC) recommendation to ban imports of certain Apple Watch models, Apple announced today that it will temporarily cease selling specific smartwatch models in the United States while it contests a patent battle concerning blood oxygen level detection technology.
The USITC issued a “limited exclusion order,” scheduled to take effect after Christmas day, targeting Apple Watch models allegedly infringing patents held by Masimo Corp. The order awaits a presidential review, currently in progress, and if not overturned by President Joe Biden, will impact Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
“While the review period will not end until December 25, Apple is preemptively taking steps to comply should the ruling stand,” stated an Apple spokesperson in response to inquiries.
To adhere to potential outcomes, Apple will pause sales of the affected smartwatch models from its website starting December 21 and from US retail store locations after December 24.
Apple has been forced to halt sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the US. It comes amid a patent dispute over technology that allows the watches to measure blood oxygen levels https://t.co/gsOfovdw0d pic.twitter.com/Z31hkpP51t
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 19, 2023
Masimo, in response, emphasized the importance of respecting the ITC’s expert judgment and praised the decision to exclude certain foreign-made Apple Watch models, emphasizing the necessity for all companies, even industry giants, to uphold intellectual property rights.
Apple contends that the USITC’s finding is erroneous and plans to seek a reversal through federal court proceedings if necessary. The patent dispute revolves around a complaint made to the commission in mid-2021, accusing Apple Watch of infringing on Masimo’s patented technology for “light-based oximetry functionality.”
Despite the ongoing legal challenge, Apple remains committed to advancing health and wellness features with each generation of Apple Watch. The company decried Masimo’s attempts to hinder the availability of potentially life-saving products for millions of US consumers while simultaneously promoting their own competing watch.
This development follows Apple’s patent infringement lawsuits filed against Masimo late last year, alleging the unauthorized use of Apple Watch technology.
