Apple vs Masimo patent battle: ITC issues an order that could potentially ban Apple Watch imports،
Apple is no stranger to patent infringement cases, and this one in particular has been quite a battle. We’re talking about a patent infringement case between Apple and medical technology company Masimo regarding the Apple Watch. The US International Trade Commission (ITC) appears to have concluded that the Apple Watch infringed on Masimo’s patents. 9to5Mac is now reporting that the ITC issued an order that could ban Apple Watch imports into the United States.
The possibility of banning the import of Apple Watch is becoming more and more real
At the beginning of this year, the ban already threatened the Apple Watch. The technology in dispute is the technology that reads blood oxygen levels on the Apple Watch. The technology was first introduced with the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020. Now, every subsequent version of the Apple Watch (except SE models) comes with blood oxygen monitoring . It’s unclear whether the ban will only affect the Series 6 (which is now discontinued by Apple) or all newer models, including the Series 9 or the Ultra 2.
The ban has not yet come into force. Now there needs to be a presidential review – a decision on whether to veto the ban should be made within 60 days. And even if the ban isn’t vetoed, Apple can still appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Where it all started
In fact, it seems that the story between the two companies does not begin in 2020. Apple allegedly wanted to collaborate with Masimo in 2013. According to Masimo, the meetings held by the two companies allowed Apple to steal information and expertise and also to hire people. Masimo employees before the launch of the Apple Watch. As you can probably imagine, like any other legal battle, it can take some time to see results. Apple also fought a similar legal battle with AliveCor, this time over its EKG feature.
