Unfavorable Ruling for Apple in US Court Raises Uncertainty for Smartwatches

After a recent patent dispute with medical-technology company Masimo, Apple Inc. has received an unfavorable ruling from a US appeals court. The court has upheld the government commission’s import ban on certain Apple smartwatches, which means that the sales of Apple’s latest smartwatches in the US will be on hold.

Apple had urgently requested the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to halt the order, asserting that Masimo’s accusations were baseless. However, the court ruled against Apple, stating that it had indeed infringed Masimo’s patents.

This ruling may have significant financial ramifications for Apple, with potential losses ranging from hundreds of millions to billions of dollars. During the third quarter of 2023, Apple’s wearables, home, and accessory business generated $8.28 billion in revenue, with the Apple Watch being a major contributor.

While Apple’s shares have remained relatively stable during Wednesday afternoon trading, they have experienced a 2% decline over the past five sessions. Investors are closely monitoring the situation and its potential impact on Apple’s profitability.

The legal battle between Apple and Masimo is far from over. An appeals case is anticipated in January, which will be a crucial moment for Masimo. Additionally, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has set a target date of January 12 to determine whether redesigned versions of Apple watches infringe Masimo’s patents and can be imported.

The future of Apple’s smartwatches in the US market is uncertain. The outcome of the upcoming appeals case and CBP’s decision will heavily influence Apple’s ability to maintain its strong presence in the smartwatch market.

FAQ
Q: Who is Masimo?
A: Masimo is a medical-technology company involved in the development and manufacturing of various medical devices.

Q: What patents did Masimo accuse Apple of infringing?
A: Masimo accused Apple of infringing patents related to technology for reading blood-oxygen levels.

Q: What is the US International Trade Commission?
A: The US International Trade Commission is a government commission responsible for enforcing trade laws and regulations to protect American industries from unfair competition.

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The source of the article is from the blog lanoticiadigital.com.ar