Apple Watch Imports Can Be Banned In The US Due To Patent Issues With Masimo

Apple was declared to have violated Masimo's pulse oxymmetric patent (photo: dock. Apple)

Apple has violated Masimo's patent, a medical technology company, according to the United States (USITC) International Trade Commission on Thursday, October 26.

According to Gizmodo, this determination could put Apple Watch on a ban on imports. If this happens, Apple could suffer serious losses as sales are hampered.

Masimo first sued Apple in 2021. The company claims that Apple has copied the technology they developed, namely blood oxygen measurements with pulse oxymmetry.

This technology is used by Apple on smartwatches that they released in 2020, starting from the sixth generation. After complaining to USITC, the commission ruled that Apple had violated US trade laws.

The USITC also issued a limited exclusion order so there is a possibility of banning imports on some models of Apple Watch. The determination of this ban would certainly make it difficult for Apple to enter the US market.

Seeing the results of this decision, Apple did not remain silent. They plan to file an appeal so that the import ban is not decided by President Joe Biden's administration within 60 days.

There are two options that Apple can do for now. The company may modify their smartwatches to eliminate pulse oxyometry technology or negotiate with Masimo on a civil basis.

Whatever the steps Apple is taking, the company still sees the Masimo movement as a mistake. According to him, keeping the pulse's oxyometry product is tantamount to preventing the lives of millions of consumers in the US.