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Published on: Dec 28, 2023
In a significant turn of events, Apple has announced the resumption of sales for its advanced Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. This development follows a temporary halt by a federal appeals court on an import ban imposed due to a patent dispute. The dispute, which centers on a pulse oximeter patent held by medical device maker Masimo, led to an initial US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling restricting Apple from importing certain newer watch models into the United States.
Apple's swift action to file an emergency appeal on Tuesday against the ITC's decision has proven fruitful. The ITC order had barred the import of specific Apple Watch models, affecting Series 6 and later, as well as all models of Apple Watch Ultra. Despite the Biden White House's decision not to intervene in the matter, the appeals court's block on the ITC order has opened the door for Apple to reintroduce these models to the US market.
The company has moved quickly to restore the availability of these watches, both online and in its stores, starting Thursday noon Pacific Time. Apple emphasized the importance of resuming sales to ensure availability for customers as the new year approaches. This rapid restoration of sales indicates Apple's commitment to maintaining its market presence amidst ongoing legal challenges.
Apple had temporarily removed the impacted watch models from its online store and physical Apple Store locations, with only the Apple Watch SE, which was not part of the ruling, remaining on sale. The appeals court's decision comes as a relief to Apple, which had argued that the ongoing ban could cause "irreparable harm" to the company while its appeal is being considered.
The crux of the dispute lies in a violation of Masimo's patent on pulse oximeter technology, a light-based method for reading blood-oxygen levels. Despite the ban focusing on imports rather than sales, third-party stores had continued selling the latest Apple Watch models. However, Apple's recent victory with the emergency stay allows the tech giant to continue selling its top-tier smartwatches directly, even as it contests the ITC's decision in court.
The Federal Circuit's order to the ITC to refrain from enforcing its ban "until further notice" grants Apple a temporary reprieve. This move not only benefits Apple but also its customers, who can now access the full lineup of Apple Watches, including the latest models, during this crucial holiday season and into the new year. As the legal battle unfolds, Apple's proactive measures to redesign the contested watch models by January 12 reflect its resilience and adaptability in navigating complex patent disputes.