WASHINGTON, Jan 17 (Reuters) – Apple on Wednesday failed to convince a federal appeals court to allow US imports of Apple Watches with technology to read blood oxygen levels while it challenged a government tribunal’s ruling that the devices infringed on patents owned by medical technology company Masimo.
The ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit means the affected watches cannot be imported while Apple appeals the basic ban issued by the US International Trade Commission.
The ITC import ban on Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watches briefly came into effect on December 26. The Federal Circuit lifted the ban on December 27 while it considered Apple’s request for a longer-term stay, and Apple resumed sales of the smartwatch later that day.
Apple on Wednesday failed to convince a federal appeals court to allow US imports of Apple Watches. AFP via Getty Images
Separately, US Customs and Border Protection on Jan. 12 determined that a proposed redesign from Apple would allow it to import reconfigured Apple Watches without violating ITC restrictions, according to court filings.
Masimo has accused Apple of hiring his employees and stealing pulse oximetry technology for use in Apple Watches. The ITC blocked the import and direct sale of Apple Watches that read blood oxygen levels following Masimo’s complaint.
Apple stopped selling its latest Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches in the United States before Christmas until an appeals court gave it a break. The device remains available from other US retailers including Amazon.com, Best Buy, Costco and Walmart.
Apple stopped selling its latest Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches in the United States before Christmas until an appeals court gave it a break. Reuters
Apple asked the Washington-based Federal Circuit to stay the ban pending the appeals process, which could take months. It argued that it was likely to win its appeal and that maintaining the ban would harm the company, its suppliers and the public.
The commission countered that Apple’s argument was “little more” than patent infringers “asking for permission to continue infringing.”
Apple has included pulse oximeter features in smartwatches since its Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020. It has countersued Masimo for patent infringement, calling Masimo’s lawsuit a “maneuver to clear the way” for its own competitor’s watch.
Apple Watches make up about a quarter of the global smartwatch market, according to Counterpoint Research. Apple’s company report said its wearables, home and accessories business, which includes the Apple Watch, AirPods earphones and other products, brought in $8.28 billion in revenue in the third quarter of 2023.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
