Apple Inc., a business that generates approximately $17 billion a year, is appealing a US sales ban of its smartwatches. The ban, imposed by the US International Trade Commission over a patent dispute, has prompted Apple to challenge the ban at the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The company has also filed an emergency motion seeking to lift the prohibition on watch sales while the court considers its appeal.
The patent dispute with medical technology maker Masimo Corp. has put Apple in the position of fighting to get one of its signature products back on store shelves. The ITC determined in October that Apple violated two Masimo health-technology patents with a blood-oxygen sensor in its watches. The White House recently opted not to reverse the ITC’s determination, and the ITC’s decision became final on December 26, 2023.
As a result of the ban, Apple stopped selling its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches in its online store and US retail outlets. The company has developed a software update for the Apple Watch that it believes will mitigate the issue and is appealing to the US customs agency for approval.
The ban’s impact on Apple’s holiday season results is expected to be minimal, but the company is actively working to get the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches back on the market. Despite the ban, Apple’s shares have remained relatively stable, and the company is continuing its efforts to address the situation.