Apple’s latest smartwatch models, including the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, may face a potential ban in the United States due to a patent infringement issue. The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled that these models violate patents held by medical device maker Masimo, specifically related to pulse oximetry technology used for measuring blood-oxygen levels.
As a response to the ruling, Apple has already taken action by removing the affected models from its online store, and Apple Store locations no longer have them in stock. While other retailers may still have remaining stock, it is uncertain for how long they will be available.
The ban not only affects the Apple Watch Series 9 but also all models of the Apple Watch Ultra. These smartwatches have gained global popularity, with Apple marketing them as life-saving devices. However, the ongoing legal dispute with Masimo poses a risk to Apple’s reputation in this field.
To address the issue, Apple may consider making software adjustments to ensure compliance with the patents. However, implementing these changes could be time-consuming, and there is no guarantee that they would meet the ITC’s requirements.
Masimo’s CEO, Joe Kiani, claims that Apple intentionally infringed on their patents. The two companies have been engaged in legal battles for several years, with Apple also filing patent infringement lawsuits against Masimo in 2022.
Although President Joe Biden did not intervene to overturn the ITC ruling, it is important to note that there is precedence for such action. In 2013, President Barack Obama vetoed an ITC ruling that would have banned older iPhones and iPads after determining that Apple had violated one of Samsung’s patents.
Apple has expressed its disagreement with the ruling and is actively exploring legal and technical solutions to reintroduce the affected Apple Watch models to US customers. However, it remains uncertain whether a resolution that satisfies all parties involved can be achieved.
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