The sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models would be suspended in the US.
Masimo, a player in the medical tech industry, has been engaged in multiple legal battles with Apple.
Apple had violated two of the patents that were associated with the pulse oximeter feature in the Apple Watch.
Apple has stated that sales of its premium Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models would be suspended in the US, which is a significant step taken by the company. The decision has been revealed by Apple to 9to5Mac. The action which takes effect later this week is in reaction to an International Trade Commission (ITC) decision regarding a lengthy patent dispute involving the medical technology company, Masimo.
Why is Masimo involved?
Masimo, a player in the medical tech industry, has been engaged in multiple legal battles with Apple, revolving around the claims that Masimo’s patents are violated by the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensor technology. This legal dispute has originated from several lawsuits that Masimo has brought against Apple through the years.
Why the sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are being stopped?
In June 2021 the ITC became more actively engaged when Masimo lodged a complaint due to dissatisfaction with the proceedings of a district court case that began in early 2020. The ITC’s decision in October concluded that Apple had violated two of the patents that were associated with the pulse oximeter feature in the Apple Watch.
Also read: Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2: India price and new features
Following the decision, a 60-day Presidential Review Period had been initiated, scheduled to conclude on the 25th of December. Anticipating the potential for a veto from the Biden administration, Apple is implementing measures to halt the sales of the affected models on its website from 21st December and in retail locations after 24th December.
The repercussions of the ban extend to Apple’s suppliers, consumers, and the broader economy as Apple’s wearables business brought in a substantial $13.48 billion in revenue during the Q1 2023 holiday quarter, amplifying the potential consequences.
As the experts weigh the economic significance of a potential Apple Watch ban, Apple emphasizes the negative impact on the valuable health-related features of the Apple Watch. The company is appealing to the Biden administration to reassess ITC’s decision, pointing out the adverse impact it could have on both the suppliers as well as the consumers.
Also read: How Google Pixel Watch 2 competes with Apple & Samsung smartwatches
The legal dispute between the two: Apple and Masimo involves multiple countersuits and accusations, creating a complex legal narrative. Though Apple might plan to appeal ITC’s decision, the future outcome remains undecided.
To conclude, Apple is anticipating additional information regarding the status of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the U.S. market.
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Mustafa Khan
Mustafa is new on the block and is a tech geek who is currently working with Digit as a News Writer. He tests the new gadgets that come on board and writes for the news desk. He has found his way with words and you can count on him when in need of tech advice. No judgement. He is based out of Delhi, he’s your person for good photos, good food recommendations, and to know about anything GenZ. View Full Profile
