Apple has successfully obtained permission to import two of its highly sought-after smartwatches into the United States after the appeals court's decision to temporarily halt a prior import restriction.
In October, the tech giant received an order to cease importing and selling Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches. This order was issued in response to a complaint from Masimo, a medical-monitoring technology firm that accused the tech giant of patent infringement.
Masimo alleged that Apple engaged in recruiting its workers, misappropriated its pulse oximetry technology, and integrated it into Apple watches.
The Biden administration chose not to exercise veto power over the ban, allowing it to be implemented on Boxing Day.
Apple lodged an appeal against the prohibition the US International Trade Commission (ITC) issued. However, on Tuesday, it petitioned the US Court of Appeals to halt the process temporarily.
Apple claimed that it would experience significant and irreversible damage if the ban persisted for the anticipated two-week duration required to receive a response to its appeal from the US ITC.
Apple achieved a favorable outcome today as the US Court of Appeals temporarily suspended the import prohibition.
Court officials have issued a concise order consisting of four paragraphs, stating that they will remove the limits temporarily. At the same time, they deliberate on Apple's request for a more extended suspension during the appeals process.
The court granted the ITC a deadline of 10 January to respond to Apple's motion.
"This unexpected victory for Apple is significant, considering the legal complexities of the patent dispute," commented Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities.
"Masimo is now faced with a formidable challenge." The upcoming appeals case in January is anticipated to be a significant event.
Apple has said that the legal proceedings taken by Masimo are a strategic move to eliminate obstacles for its own wristwatch. In response, Apple has filed a lawsuit against Masimo in the Delaware federal court, accusing them of infringing on their patents.
In October, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Apple watches equipped with blood-oxygen level measuring technology are prohibited from being imported or sold.
Apple temporarily halted the US sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches. However, customers could still purchase them from alternative stores such as Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, and Walmart.
The prohibition does not impact the Apple Watch SE, a more affordable variant lacking a pulse oximeter, nor any previously sold timepieces.
Comments