Apple Watch US Sales Ban
US president Joe Biden’s administration on Tuesday opted not to veto a government tribunal’s ruling to ban imports of Apple Watches.
This means the order barring imports and sales of Apple Watches that use patent-infringing technology for reading blood-oxygen levels goes into effect from Tuesday.
In October, the US International Trade Commission ruled that Apple was in violation of Masimo’s pulse oximeter patent, which uses light-based technology to read blood-oxygen levels. President Biden has 60 days to review the ruling before a ban could go into effect.
Apple launched its Series 9 phone in September. It features a custom S9 chip for faster processing and enables hand gestures to control the watch, thanks in part to an enhanced neural engine that processes data from sensors and machine learning.
Apple said it firmly believes the ITC’s findings are inaccurate and should be reversed. It also plans to take the decision to the Federal Circuit.
In addition, Apple said it has submitted evidence demonstrating how a ban would negatively impact healthcare, scientific and medical research, and Apple Watch users who rely on the ECG, blood oxygen and other health-related features.
