Apple faces setback as US court bans sale of two iWatch models

Apple has once again been barred from selling two smartwatch prototypes in the US while a legal dispute continues over a patent row.
Apple has once again been barred from selling two smartwatch prototypes in the US while a legal dispute continues over a patent row.

Apple has once again been barred from selling two smartwatch prototypes in the US while a legal dispute continues over a patent row.

Legal Reversal:

A US appeals court has reversed a prior decision that allowed tech giant Apple to continue selling its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches amid an ongoing legal dispute with medical technology company Masimo.

The court’s ruling also impacts imports of these watches, leading Apple to announce the release of watches without the disputed blood oxygen feature to maintain their availability.

Background of the Dispute:

The legal battle involves allegations from Masimo and its spin-off Cercacor, accusing Apple of poaching key staff and engaging in actions to misappropriate technology developed for measuring blood oxygen levels. 

The US International Trade Commission, in October, had found that Apple violated certain patent rights, resulting in an order to halt specific imports and sales, which was temporarily paused pending appeal.

Impact on Apple Watch Lineup:

To comply with the court ruling, Apple will release watches without the contentious blood oxygen feature. Most versions of Apple’s watches, including the Series 9 and Ultra 2, have incorporated this feature since 2020, with the exception of the SE model.

Deadline for Import Restrictions:

The affected watches are prohibited from importation after 17:00 ET (22:00 GMT) on Thursday, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal saga.

Masimo’s Response:

Masimo’s founder and CEO, Joe Kiani, views the court’s decision as a validation of intellectual property rights, emphasizing that even major corporations must respect the innovations of American inventors and face consequences for patent infringement.

Apple’s Stance and Market Presence:

Apple, while expressing strong disagreement with the US International Trade Commission’s findings, stated it is taking steps to comply with the ruling during the ongoing appeal. 

The company, currently dominating the global smartphone market, recently surpassed Samsung for the first time in 12 years, accounting for over a fifth of phones shipped last year.

As legal proceedings unfold, the dispute between Apple and Masimo underscores the complexities surrounding intellectual property in the competitive landscape of technology and innovation.

Gary Monroe

Gary Monroe is a seasoned contributor to the Los Angeles Business Magazine, where he offers insightful analysis on local business trends and economic developments. With a focus on Los Angeles' dynamic commercial landscape, Gary's articles provide valuable perspectives for entrepreneurs and business professionals in the city.

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