The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has taken a significant step in the prolonged patent dispute between Apple and medical technology company Masimo. In a recent development, the commission has issued an order that could potentially restrict Apple from importing its Apple Watches into the United States, citing patent infringement on Masimo’s proprietary technology related to blood-oxygen level monitoring.
The commission’s decision, while currently subject to a 60-day presidential review and potential appeals, poses a substantial threat to Apple’s wearable technology market. President Joe Biden’s administration holds the power to potentially veto the import ban, although historically, such vetoes have been rare.
Apple has staunchly refuted the allegations, with a spokesperson highlighting the critical importance of swiftly overturning the decision to prevent any adverse impact on the sales of the Apple Watch. Conversely, Masimo’s CEO, Joe Kiani, hailed the ruling as a testament to the rule of law, emphasizing that even the world’s largest company must be held accountable for any potential infringement.
The specifics of the ban remain ambiguous, with no clear indication as to which Apple Watch models would be affected. Masimo’s initial complaint in 2021 targeted the Apple Watch Series 6, the first model equipped with blood-oxygen monitoring capabilities, asserting that it violated their patents.
The ongoing legal tussle between the two companies has extended across multiple jurisdictions, with both parties accusing each other of patent theft and infringement. The implications of the ITC decision could significantly impact the production and distribution of Apple Watches, particularly those manufactured in China. Apple’s recent shift of production to Vietnam may be a strategic move to mitigate potential repercussions of the import ban.
The latest development adds another layer of complexity to Apple’s legal battles, as the company concurrently faces an import ban in a separate patent dispute with medical technology firm AliveCor. With the revenue from its wearables, home, and accessory business soaring, the company remains determined to navigate these legal hurdles to safeguard its position in the competitive wearable technology market.
