In a significant development for Apple enthusiasts, a federal court has temporarily lifted the sales halt on Apple’s Series 9 and Ultra 2 Watches, which was ordered by the International Trade Commission (ITC) amid a bitter patent dispute. The ban, imposed in October, aimed to prevent Apple from utilizing specific technologies integral to the blood-oxygen measurement system in these smartwatches.
The ITC’s decision was a response to an ongoing intellectual property dispute between Apple and the medical technology company Masimo. The latter claimed that Apple had infringed upon its patented technologies. The dispute led to a halt in online sales of the watches in the US just days before the Christmas holiday as Apple sought compliance with the ITC ruling.
The federal court’s recent action provides a temporary reprieve for Apple, allowing the resumption of sales for the Series 9 and Ultra 2 Watches pending the court’s decision on the appeal filed by Apple.
Apple, in compliance with the court’s decision, announced that the two watch models would be available on its online store by noon Pacific Time on Thursday. Additionally, the watches are set to return to some Apple stores starting Wednesday, with wider availability expected by Saturday.
This is not the first time the Apple Watch has encountered patent roadblocks. In a similar instance last year, the ITC ruled that Apple had infringed on the wearable EKG technology of AliveCor, a decision that the Biden administration chose not to overturn. Despite these challenges, the AliveCor dispute has yet to directly impact Apple Watch sales due to a separate regulatory ruling on patentability.
Analysts, observing Apple’s repeated encounters with patent disputes, suggest that the tech giant may need to consider licensing deals or acquisitions of startups specializing in the medical technology field. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives predicts that the increasing integration of medical technology into Apple’s watches makes such moves increasingly likely.
As the court weighs Apple’s appeal and the tech giant moves to restore the availability of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 Watches, the broader implications of these patent challenges may shape the future landscape of Apple’s foray into health-management devices. Stay tuned for further developments in this evolving story.
Register for My Upcoming Masterclass HERE
See You in the Live Masterclass
Sunil Chaudhary stands as a preeminent global Leading digital coach, boasting a diverse clientele hailing from over 50 nations. Renowned for his prowess as an exemplary SEO expert, business automation coach, and landing page authority, Chaudhary also holds the distinction of being esteemed as the finest business coach in India. Beyond technical domains, he imparts invaluable insights into mindset, success, and life skills, thus encompassing a holistic approach to mentorship.
