Apple Watch Sales Restriction: Understanding the Implications of the Ban
Apple Watch Sales Ban – In a surprising turn of events, the Biden administration has officially refused to overturn the ban on the sale of the latest Apple Watch models in the United States. As a result, Apple is now prohibited from selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the country. The ban stems from a complex patent dispute with medical company Masimo, centered around alleged infringement on blood oxygen monitoring sensor patents.
Apple Watch Sales Bar Background:
The legal battle between Apple and Masimo dates back to 2020 when Masimo filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, claiming that Apple had infringed upon its patents related to blood oxygen monitoring. In 2021, Masimo escalated the conflict by filing a formal complaint with the International Trade Commission (ITC). Out of 103 patents in question, the ITC found Apple guilty of infringing upon two patents.
ITC Ruling and Presidential Review:
In October 2023, the ITC ruled that it would await the Presidential Review before making the ban official. As a preemptive measure, Apple removed the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from its online and physical stores. Unfortunately for Apple, the Biden administration, after careful consideration, chose not to reverse the ITC’s determination, solidifying the ban on December 26, 2023.
Apple’s Response:
Apple, in response to the ban, expressed strong disagreement with the USITC decision and the resulting exclusion order. Apple told 9to5Mac, “We’re actively working to bring back Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 to U.S. customers soon.” Exploring options, they may disable the blood oxygen monitoring feature via a software update, allowing sales in the U.S
Negotiations and Alternatives:
On the other side, Masimo has signaled its willingness to negotiate with Apple. If Apple chooses this route, it could involve a substantial financial settlement running into several million dollars. The negotiations may provide a potential resolution to the patent dispute, allowing Apple to lift the sales ban on the disputed Apple Watch models.
Can You Still Purchase an Apple Watch in the U.S.?
Although Apple’s official channels are barred from directly selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 , consumers can still obtain these models through third-party retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart. Notably, Apple prohibits the sales of only the mentioned two models via its official channels. The Apple Watch SE remains available for purchase through the official Apple website or store.
Conclusion:
The tech industry monitors the Apple Watch sales ban aftermath; Apple’s commitment to resolving the Masimo patent dispute underscores its dedication to customer satisfaction.. Whether through negotiations or a software update, Apple aims to navigate the challenges posed by this unexpected turn of events.
