Apple Appeals After US Allows Trade Tribunal's Ban On Apple Watch Imports (Photo by Pablo Figueroa on Unsplash)
As the United States administration declined to veto a government tribunal’s decision to ban imports of Apple Watches, the tech giant filed an appeal on Tuesday. Reuters also reported that Apple has also filed an emergency request with the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to halt the ban. Meanwhile, the US import ban on some Apple smartwatch models came into effect on Tuesday.
Apple is making efforts to overturn the October ruling by the US International Trade Commission that prohibited the company from selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. This significant ruling comes in response to allegations from medical technology firm Masimo. The tech world is witnessing a long-running patent dispute between Masimo and Apple to the blood oxygen sensor technology in the Apple smartwatch. Masimo has accused Apple of stealing its pulse oximetry technology as well as hiring away its employees. It is worth mentioning that Apple has added the pulse oximeter feature to its smartwatches, starting with its Series 6 model.
Notably, the Joe Biden-led US administration has refused to reverse the tribunal”s decision to impose a ban on Apple Watches. As per the Reuters report, the tech giant has asked the Federal Circuit to pause the import ban at least until US Customs and Border Protection decides whether redesigned versions of its smartwatches infringe California-based Masimo”s patents. Apple also asked to put the ban on hold while the court considers the request. Apple also added that the US customs office is due to make its decision on January 12.
Apple said in a statement that the company strongly disagrees with the USITC decision and added that they are taking all measures to return the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to US customers as soon as possible. At the same time, this ban does not affect the Apple Watch SE, as it continues to be available for purchase in the United States.
