The US International Trade Commission has delivered a significant win for Apple regarding its updated smartwatches. In its recent determination, the agency declined to restore an import restriction on Apple Watch models, permitting the company to keep distributing devices featuring an altered blood-oxygen detection system.
The ITC chose to close the proceedings, citing an initial administrative law judge's finding from March that the revised Apple smartwatches do not violate intellectual property rights owned by Masimo, a health technology firm involved in extended litigation over the Apple Watch. Apple issued a statement expressing gratitude to the ITC, noting that 'Masimo has pursued an aggressive litigation effort against Apple, with almost all its assertions dismissed.' Contact was made with Masimo for a response, and the article will be revised upon receiving feedback.
This outcome may bring resolution to the prolonged dispute between Masimo and Apple. The intellectual property conflict began in 2021 when Masimo initiated action against Apple, seeking to block imports of Apple Watches. The ITC subsequently determined that Apple had breached Masimo's patents, which prompted the earlier import prohibition and modifications to the pulse oximetry function in select Apple Watch variants. Dissatisfied, Masimo pushed for an import halt on the revised versions, but the ITC's rejection leaves Masimo able to challenge the ruling before the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Although Masimo faces setbacks in this particular conflict, it continues to challenge Apple across various arenas. Last November, a federal jury found in Masimo's favor, ordering Apple to compensate with $634 million for patent violations in an unrelated matter.