Last week, we wrote an article stating that Apple will stop selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the U.S. Now, Apple has filed an appeal against the ban due to the U.S. government’s approval of the ban. Apple has recently filed an appeal following the Biden administration’s decision to permit a ban on the import of its watches to the United States. The ban was imposed based on a complaint from medical monitoring technology company Masimo, which alleged patent infringement by Apple’s watch devices.
Background
The ban on Apple’s watch imports stems from a complaint by Masimo, a company that produces medical and fitness-tracking smartwatches. Masimo claimed that Apple’s watch devices, particularly their blood oxygen sensor, infringed on Masimo’s pulse oximetry technology, which measures oxygen levels in the blood. As a result, the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in favour of Masimo, leading to the ban on the import and sale of certain Apple Watch models in the US.
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However, it is important to note that the ban does not affect all Apple Watches. It only affects those that use blood oxygen sensors which infringes on the Masimo patent. The only Apple watches that use the sensor are the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2
Implications for Apple
The ban has significant implications for Apple, as the company is a leading seller of smartwatches globally. The affected models include the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, which are popular among consumers. The ban not only impacts Apple’s sales and market share but also hinders its ability to provide these products to existing and potential customers in the US.
Apple’s Response
In response to the ban, Apple has taken legal action by filing an appeal to overturn the ruling. The company has expressed strong disagreement with the ITC’s decision and the resulting exclusion order. Apple is seeking to reverse the ban and resume the import and sale of the affected watch models in the US. The appeal represents Apple’s efforts to protect its business interests and address the allegations of patent infringement made by Masimo.
Final Words
Apple’s appeal against the US ban on watch imports reflects the company’s commitment to defending its products and market presence. The outcome of the appeal will have significant implications for both Apple and the wider smartwatch industry, as it pertains to intellectual property rights and competition in the market.