In recent tech news, the renowned Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 experienced a temporary setback when they faced a ban. This action stemmed from a patent infringement accusation by California-based health tech companies Masimo and Cercacor Laboratories. Their primary concern was Apple’s use of a patented blood-oxygen tracking technology, which led to an order by the International Trade Commission (ITC) on October 26 to ban certain foreign-made models of the Apple Watch.
Masimo, which had lodged a complaint in 2021, emphasized the importance of legal compliance, stating, “The decision to exclude… demonstrates that even the world’s most powerful company must abide by the law.” This sentiment was echoed widely as the tech giant, Apple, found itself entangled in legal complexities. Notably, Apple had previously filed two lawsuits against Masimo, accusing the latter of infringing patents with its smartwatch technology.
This controversy gained further traction when the Biden administration, through Ambassador Katherine Tai, chose not to reverse the ITC’s decision. This decision came after thorough consultations and a determination that Apple did infringe upon the patents of Masimo and Cercacor. Apple’s response was to file an emergency request to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, seeking a halt to the ban.
Despite these legal challenges, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 were soon back on the market. They returned to U.S. stores and online sales resumed, indicating a swift resolution to the patent dispute. Apple expressed its excitement about the return of its full lineup of Apple Watches, just in time for the new year. The company highlighted its commitment to developing technology that offers leading health, wellness, and safety features. The stay of the exclusion order by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, while considering Apple’s appeal, was a significant turn in the company’s favor.
This whole situation brought to light the Blood Oxygen app feature of the Apple Watches. This app, available in select regions, allows users to measure their blood oxygen levels directly from their wrist. Apple, however, stresses that these measurements are not for medical use but are designed for general fitness and wellness purposes.
This incident is a poignant reminder of the complexities and intricacies of patent laws in the technology sector. It underscores the delicate balance companies must maintain in innovating while respecting the intellectual property rights of others. For Apple, this was a significant hurdle, but one that they managed to navigate with their usual mix of legal acumen and technological expertise.