Apple Watch, the popular smartwatch that offers health and fitness features, may soon be banned from entering the U.S. market due to a patent infringement case filed by Masimo, a medical device company that specializes in pulse oximetry.
Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method of measuring the oxygen level in the blood, which can indicate various health conditions such as hypoxia, asthma, and COVID-19. The Apple Watch Series 6 and later models have a built-in blood oxygen sensor that uses infrared light to detect the color of the blood and calculate the oxygen saturation.
Masimo claims that Apple copied its patented technology and trade secrets for the blood oxygen sensor, and that Apple hired some of its key employees to work on the Apple Watch. Masimo also alleges that Apple’s sensor is inaccurate and unreliable, and that it misleads consumers by stating that the readings are not intended for medical purposes.
How did the U.S. International Trade Commission rule?
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is a federal agency that has the power to impose import bans on products that violate U.S. intellectual property rights. In October 2023, the ITC issued a final determination that Apple infringed two of Masimo’s patents, and recommended a limited exclusion order that would prohibit Apple from importing, selling, or distributing any Apple Watch models that use the disputed technology.
The ITC’s decision is subject to a 60-day presidential review period, which ends on December 25, 2023. During this time, the White House can either approve, disapprove, or modify the ITC’s order. If the White House does not intervene, the order will take effect automatically and remain in force until the patents expire in August 2028.
What are Apple’s options to avoid the ban?
Apple has a few potential options to avoid the ban. They could modify the software so it no longer utilizes Masimo’s disputed technology, or they could negotiate a civil settlement with Masimo. Apple could also appeal the ITC’s order to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, or challenge the validity of Masimo’s patents at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Apple has expressed its disappointment with the ITC’s ruling, and said that it will continue to fight for its right to sell the Apple Watch in the U.S. Apple also argued that Masimo is trying to block a potentially lifesaving product from millions of U.S. consumers, while preparing to launch its own smartwatch that copies Apple.
Masimo, on the other hand, has welcomed the ITC’s decision, and said that it sends a powerful message that even the world’s largest company is not above the law. Masimo also claimed that the Apple Watch’s sensor is not essential to the public health or welfare, and that there are other alternatives available in the market.
What are the implications of the ban for Apple and consumers?
The ban, if implemented, could have significant implications for Apple and consumers. The Apple Watch is one of Apple’s fastest-growing products, and the U.S. is its largest market. According to IDC, Apple shipped 14.3 million Apple Watches worldwide in the third quarter of 2023, accounting for 28.8% of the global smartwatch market. The ban could affect Apple’s revenue, reputation, and competitive edge in the wearable industry.
For consumers, the ban could limit their choices and access to a popular and useful device that can monitor their health and fitness. The Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensor can help users detect early signs of respiratory issues, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ban could also affect the availability of other features and services that rely on the Apple Watch, such as Apple Fitness+, Apple Pay, and Apple Music.
