Apple is set to halt the sales of its Series 9 smartwatch following a ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC) in October. The decision comes as a result of a patent dispute with California-based medical technology firm Masimo, centered around the blood sensor monitor featured in Apple’s latest flagship smartwatch.
A Presidential Review Period is currently underway concerning an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission on a technical intellectual property dispute related to Apple Watch devices containing the Blood Oxygen feature.
While the review period extends until December 25, Apple is proactively taking measures to comply if the ruling is upheld. This includes temporarily halting sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from Apple.com effective at 3 P.M. this Thursday (December 21) and from Apple retail locations after December 24, just before the holiday season. December 24 will be the final day for pickup and delivery of online orders.
Apple remains committed to developing products and services that provide users with cutting-edge health, wellness, and safety features. The company strongly disagrees with the order and is exploring various legal and technical avenues to ensure the continued availability of Apple Watch to customers.
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If the order stands, Apple is prepared to take all necessary steps to promptly return the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to U.S. customers.
Apple intends to appeal the ruling, stating its belief in the erroneous nature of the ITC’s decision. The company filed two lawsuits against Masimo in October of the previous year, alleging patent infringement. Apple argued that Masimo is misusing the ITC to hinder the access of potentially life-saving products to millions of U.S. consumers while promoting a watch that imitates Apple’s design.
Masimo’s initial complaint, which initially focused on technology introduced with the Series 6, dates back to June 2021. The medical company claimed that Apple began recruiting Masimo employees, including Masimo’s Chief Medical Officer. Furthermore, Masimo accused Apple of introducing the Series 6, manufactured in Asia, in the fall of 2020.
The core of the dispute revolves around pulse oximetry, utilizing an optical sensor to detect blood flow. In the previous month, Masimo obtained FDA clearance for its wrist-worn product for both prescription and over-the-counter use.