ITC has reaffirmed a judge's previous ruling that the Apple Watch infringed on patents held by medical technology firm Masimo. While this ITC decision has the potential to result in an import ban on certain Apple Watch models, the tech giant has several avenues to avoid such an outcome.
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CUPERTINO, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: An attendee inspects the new Apple Watch during an Apple special event at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts on September 9, 2014 in Cupertino, California.
Facing Potential Import Ban
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has upheld a previous ruling that found Apple's Apple Watch to be in violation of patents owned by the medical technology company Masimo, as reported by Engadget.
This decision could potentially lead to a ban on the import of certain Apple Watch models, but Apple has several options to prevent this outcome. The legal dispute between the two companies began in 2021 when Masimo accused Apple of infringing upon its patents related to light-based blood-oxygen monitoring.
While the ITC's decision affirms the violation of Masimo's patents by Apple, it doesn't automatically result in an import ban. Apple has the opportunity to pursue various legal and negotiation avenues to avoid such a ban.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the importance of intellectual property rights in the rapidly evolving technology and healthcare sectors. The outcome will be closely watched by both the tech and medical industries.
Masimo's legal action is primarily centered around the Apple Watch Series 6, a model that Apple discontinued in 2021 upon launching its successor. The potential impact of an import ban on Apple's latest flagship wearables remains uncertain. A federal jury took up the case earlier this year, but it concluded with a mistrial.
Biden's Decision
Forbes reported that the next phase of this case brings it to the White House, where the Biden administration holds the authority to veto the import ban based on policy considerations within a 60-day period. It's worth noting that past US Presidents have rarely exercised this veto option.
If the import ban is not vetoed, Apple retains the option to appeal the decision to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit following the White House's review period. Additionally, Apple could explore alternatives such as reaching a settlement with Masimo or implementing software updates that circumvent the patented technology.
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Masimo portrays this situation as a triumph of the underdog against a corporate giant. In response to the US International Trade Commission's decision, Joe Kiani, the CEO of Masimo, characterized it as a resounding message that even the most prominent corporation must adhere to the rule of law.
Kiani stressed the importance of the USITC's ruling, highlighting that it sends a clear message about the accountability of even the world's largest corporation under the law.
Apple's Response
In response to the ITC's decision, Reuters reported that Apple presented the move as potentially endangering lives to promote Masimo's product lineup.
An Apple spokesperson argued that Masimo had improperly leveraged the ITC to obstruct a potentially life-saving product from millions of U.S. consumers while preparing to introduce a watch that mimics Apple's technology.
The spokesperson clarified that the recent ruling does not have an immediate effect on Apple Watch sales. Apple expressed its commitment to appealing the decision, asserting their belief that it should be reversed.
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