Apple Watch Faces Uncertain Future in the USA Amid Ongoing Legal Dispute. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are still at risk of being taken off the market in the United States due to an ongoing legal dispute. The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has officially opposed Apple’s request to temporarily lift the ban on these smartwatches’ sales while their appeal is pending. This appeal stems from a patent-related conflict with Masimo Corp. regarding blood oxygen measurement technology.
In a recently submitted document to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, lawyers representing the ITC criticized Apple’s arguments as “weak and unconvincing” for seeking exceptional circumstances to delay the ban. They asserted that Apple’s claims amounted to little more than a disputable judgment from the infringing party, seeking permission to continue infringing the patented technology.
As for the current status of the case, the ITC is accepting responses from other involved parties until January 15th. Consequently, Apple Watch sales will continue in the USA at least until this date.
To recap, the American International Trade Commission had previously halted the sales of Apple Watch in response to a complaint from Masimo Corporation, a company specializing in health technology. Masimo challenged Apple’s patents related to sensors for measuring blood oxygen levels (pulse oximetry).
Although the sales suspension was temporarily lifted following Apple’s appeal, finding a resolution remains challenging. Masimo has already stated its reluctance to accept software modifications, an option Apple is reportedly exploring. At this juncture, Cupertino seems compelled to engage in negotiations for a commercial and economic agreement with Masimo.
It’s worth noting that the White House could potentially step in to mediate, as it has done in similar cases in the past. However, President Joe Biden has chosen not to intervene, exercising his executive authority, which will likely prompt major players in the tech industry to reconsider their approach to dealings with smaller enterprises
