The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a decision to ban the import and sale of Apple Watches that utilize technology infringing on a patent related to blood oxygen level measurement. The complaint was filed by the medical technology company Masimo. The ban will go into effect on December 26, 2023. This decision poses a significant blow to Apple, as their watches have been popular for several years.
Masimo accused Apple of stealing their pulse oximetry technology and incorporating it into the popular Apple Watch. Apple introduced the pulse oximetry feature to their smartwatches starting with the Series 6 model in 2020. A court trial regarding Masimo’s allegations resulted in the overturning of a previous ruling earlier this year.
The Chamber of Commerce has ultimately rejected the possibility of vetoing the ITC’s decision by the Biden administration, through Ambassador Katherine Tai. It is worth noting that since 2013, no presidential administration has overturned an ITC ruling. In a previous case, the Obama administration overturned an import ban on iPhones and iPads in a patent dispute between Apple and Samsung.
Apple has the option to appeal the ban to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Meanwhile, the company is already preparing for the ban and suspending the sale of their latest watch series, Series 9 and Ultra 2.
This is not the first time Apple has faced an import ban on their smartwatches. Earlier this year, the Biden administration also did not overturn an import ban due to patent infringement filed by the technology company AliveCor. However, the ITC temporarily suspended that ban for a different reason.
The consequences of this ban are significant for Apple, as their wearables, home, and accessories division, including the Apple Watch, have been a substantial source of revenue. According to the company’s latest report, this division generated $8.28 billion in revenue in the third quarter of 2023.
Now Apple faces the challenge of resolving the patent dispute and finding alternative solutions that will allow them to continue offering smartwatches to consumers without legal consequences.
Key Questions:
1. Why did the ITC ban the import and sale of Apple Watches?
The ITC issued the ban based on a complaint from Masimo, which accused Apple of infringing on a patent related to blood oxygen level measurement technology.
2. Does Apple have the option to appeal the ban?
Yes, Apple has the option to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
3. What is the value of Apple’s division that deals with watches and accessories?
According to the company’s report, Apple’s division focused on watches, home, and accessories generated $8.28 billion in revenue in the third quarter of 2023.
Blood Oxygen Level and Other Definitions:
– Pulse Oximeter: A medical device used to measure blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate.
– Chamber of Commerce: An institution in the United States responsible for resolving trade disputes.
– Patent: A protective right granted to an invention, giving the creator exclusive rights to its use and sale for a certain period of time.
– U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit: A federal court in the United States responsible for hearing appeals in patent-related cases.
Source: https://www.example.com/news/article1234
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