Apple Watch US ban upheld. After the Biden administration decided not to exercise its right to reject an earlier verdict by the International Trade Commission, the United States government has decided to maintain its recent prohibition on the importation of Apple Watches. Today, the ITC’s decision came into effect.
The business had stopped selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in preparation for the ban. On December 21, the company ceased sales of the watches online, and three days later, it stopped sales of the watches in stores.
In a statement that was released this morning by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, it was said that “after careful consultations, Ambassador [Katherine] Tai decided not to reverse the determination of the International Trade Commission, and the decision of the ITC became final on December 26, 2023.”
Apple has categorically denied the two patent infringement allegations that were the basis for the suspension. Masimo, a health technology business, made these allegations. As part of a statement that was made available to TechCrunch, Apple highlights the healthcare capabilities of the device while also committing to continuing to fight against the decision:
At Apple, we put much effort into developing products and services that significantly affect our customers’ lives. It motivates our teams, which include clinical, design, and engineering, to devote years to developing health, fitness, and wellness features for the Apple Watch that have been scientifically verified. The fact that this product has significantly benefited millions of people all over the world is what motivates us. We strongly disagree with the judgment made by the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) and the exclusion order that it has resulted in, and we are taking every possible step to ensure that Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are returned to customers in the United States as quickly as possible.
Additionally, Apple has filed an appeal with the Federal Circuit Court about the ruling. One of the factors that led to this decision was the introduction of a light-based pulse oximetry sensor on the Watch Series 6 in 2020. To incorporate the technology into its wristwatch line, Masimo has also accused Apple of stealing personnel from other companies.
Joe Kiani, the founder and CEO of Masimo, made the following observation in a statement that was issued not long after the verdict announced by the International Trade Commission in October: “Today’s ruling by the USITC sends a powerful message that even the world’s largest company is not above the law.” We have made significant efforts to hold Apple responsible for unlawfully misappropriating our intellectual technology, and this important finding is a clear vindication of those efforts.
In several interviews that have taken place over the past several weeks, Kiani has continued to take the attack against the corporation.
The Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are still available for purchase outside of the United States, even though they are now prohibited in the United States. However, although the less expensive model does not employ the same sensor technology, the Watch SE is still offered in the US.
