According to The Verge , the Apple Watch ban was issued by the ITC based on a lawsuit filed by Masimo, a company specializing in medical monitoring technology, accusing Apple of stealing their technology. The ITC's order, effective from December 26, prohibits the import and sale of Apple Watches using blood oxygen level measurement technology (SpO2) in the US because this technology violates Masimo's patent rights. The SpO2 meter was first introduced on the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020. After careful consideration, Trade Representative Katherine Tai decided not to lift the ban and the ITC regulation took effect.
Apple has officially stopped selling Apple Watch with SpO2 in the US
Apple stopped selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 in the US last week. The ITC ban does not affect the lower-priced Apple Watch SE or devices already on sale. Retailers are allowed to sell existing inventory of the designated Apple smartwatch models, but cannot import new ones.
Apple allegedly solicited Masimo employees to steal SpO2-measuring technology and incorporate it into the company’s smartwatches. Apple countersued Masimo in federal court in Delaware, calling the rival’s efforts “a ploy to clear the way” for its own smartwatch.
Apple opposes US ban
In 2013, the Obama administration overturned an ITC ban on iPhone and iPad imports into the United States as part of a patent dispute between Apple and Samsung. In February, the Biden administration declined to override another import ban on the Apple Watch over a patent dispute with healthcare company AliveCor.
It is known that in the third quarter of 2023, Apple's wearables, home products and accessories division - including Apple Watch and AirPods - brought the company revenue of 8.28 billion USD.
Source link
Comment (0)