Apple has resumed the sale of its sought-after Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in select US retail stores, marking a significant development in the ongoing patent dispute case. An appeals court, responding to Apple's appeal against the International Trade Commission's (ITC) decision to impose a sales ban, temporarily lifted the restriction, allowing the tech giant to continue selling the watches.
According to reports from The Verge, a broader availability of the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 is anticipated at Apple stores nationwide by the upcoming weekend. Online sales are set to resume on Thursday (US time), offering consumers convenient access to these popular devices.
An Apple spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating, "We are pleased the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has stayed the exclusion order while it considers our request to stay the order pending our full appeal." This move follows Apple's appeal to challenge the ITC's ban on the sale of these specific smartwatch models.
The appeal emphasizes Apple's concern over potential irreparable harm if the Watches are kept off the shelves throughout the legal proceedings. The company is actively seeking a resolution to the dispute, and this temporary reprieve allows Apple to continue meeting consumer demand for its flagship smartwatches.
The initial import ban, imposed by the ITC in response to a patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo, led Apple to withdraw its latest smartwatches from the market. The prolonged legal battle revolves around the patented blood oxygen sensor (SpO2 sensor) technology integrated into the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
In a significant ruling in October, the ITC determined that the blood oxygen sensor in these Apple Watches infringes on two Masimo patents, prompting the sales ban. With the recent temporary lift on the exclusion order, Apple can navigate through the legal complexities while continuing to provide its innovative wearable technology to consumers.
(With Agency Inputs)
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