Title: Apple Faces Potential Ban on Selling Latest Apple Watches Due to Patent Infringement Ruling
Apple is currently grappling with the possibility of not being able to sell its newest Apple Watch models in the wake of a patent infringement ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC). Effective from Christmas day, the ruling states that several of Apple’s latest models, including the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, have violated patents registered to medical device manufacturer Masimo.
In response to the ruling, Apple has already removed the offending Watch models from its online store and is expected to stock its physical stores without the latest watches. Consequently, the ban will impact the sales of Apple Watch Series 6 and later, as well as all models of the Apple Watch Ultra.
At the center of the patent dispute is a pulse oximeter, a technology that uses light to measure blood-oxygen levels. Apple has promoted its smartwatch as a life-saving device; however, this patent infringement accusation threatens to undermine the reputation it has built around that claim.
While Apple has expressed strong disagreement with the ruling, the company is currently exploring legal and technical options to regain the ability to offer the Apple Watch to consumers. One potential solution is for Apple to make software changes to ensure that the Watch no longer infringes on Masimo’s patent. However, there is no guarantee that such modifications will be accepted by the ITC.
This legal battle between Apple and Masimo is not new, as the two companies have been engaged in patent disputes for years. Masimo CEO Joe Kiani has alleged that Apple deliberately infringed upon his company’s patents.
Though it is unlikely that President Joe Biden will intervene in this particular case, it is worth noting that presidents have previously intervened in patent infringement rulings. For example, in 2013, President Barack Obama vetoed an ITC ruling against Apple, demonstrating the potential for executive intervention.
As the saga unfolds, Apple and Masimo continue to find themselves locked in a high-stakes battle. Whether Apple can find a resolution, either through legal means or technical changes, remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the upcoming absence of the latest Apple Watches from store shelves is undoubtedly a significant setback for the tech giant.
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