Amidst an ongoing patent dispute with medical tech firm Masimo, Apple is ceasing sales of its recently launched Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the US. Effective December 21, the decision is in response to the International Trade Commission's (ITC) ruling, reinforcing an earlier judgment, which centered on the dispute concerning the Apple Watch's blood oxygen sensor technology. The ITC's import ban, currently in a presidential review phase, only affects sales within the US, allowing continued availability abroad. Masimo, recognized for its pulse oximeter, alleges Apple's infringement on its pulse oximetry technology. Apple, expressing strong disagreement with the order, is exploring legal and technical avenues to ensure product availability. In the interim, efforts include potential presidential intervention and software modifications to enhance oxygen saturation measurement and reporting on the Watch.
Key Points:
1. Apple will halt sales of its Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the US due to an ongoing patent dispute, following a ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC).
2. Online sales of both watches will cease from December 21, with in-store inventory unavailable after December 24, as a preemptive measure to comply with the ITC import ban related to the patent conflict with medical technology company Masimo.
3. The dispute centers around the watches' blood oxygen sensor (SpO2 sensor) technology, with Masimo alleging infringement on its pulse oximetry technology.
4. The ITC ruling, issued in October and upheld in January, impacts sales only within the US, and both watches will still be available for purchase internationally.
5. Apple is actively contesting the order, expressing strong disagreement, and exploring legal and technical options to ensure the availability of the affected watches. The ITC import ban is undergoing a presidential review, with President Joe Biden having the authority to veto the decision. Apple is also working on software changes for how the Watch measures and reports oxygen saturation.
(With Agency Inputs)
