The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued an order that might halt Apple’s import of Apple Watches, following a patent dispute with medical technology company Masimo. The commission validated a judge’s decision from January, stating that Apple infringed on Masimo’s patent concerning light-based technology used to measure blood oxygen levels. However, the ban’s enforcement isn’t immediate, pending presidential review and potential appeals.
Masimo’s CEO, Joe Kiani, highlighted that the ruling showcases that even a major corporation is accountable under the law. The Biden administration has 60 days to veto the import ban due to policy concerns before it takes effect, although such bans are rarely overruled. Apple retains the option to contest the decision at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit after the review period concludes.
Apple expressed strong opposition, alleging that Masimo aims to prevent potentially life-saving Apple Watch sales while promoting its own competitive product. Apple also recounted past legal conflicts, stating that Masimo’s CEO claimed ulterior motives behind Apple’s employee recruitment efforts, leading to further accusations of trade secret theft.
The case commenced in 2020 when Masimo accused Apple of patent infringement, particularly regarding pulse oximetry in Watch Series 6. The ITC earlier confirmed a violation of one patent but not the other nine. Now, the recent ITC ruling holds, potentially impacting the import of Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models, although the specific affected models weren’t specified.
This isn’t the sole instance; Apple is confronting another import ban due to a distinct patent dispute with medical technology company AliveCor. The ITC imposed a ban in February, currently suspended pending related patent validity proceedings.
