A current U.S. ban on Apple Watch imports will stay in place, after the Biden administration declined to veto an earlier ruling by the Worldwide Commerce Fee. The ITC ruling goes into impact as we speak.
The corporate beforehand halted gross sales of the Apple Watch Sequence 9 and Extremely 2, in anticipation of the ban, pausing on-line gross sales on December 21 and in-store gross sales three days later.
An announcement issued this morning by the Workplace of america Commerce Consultant notes, “After cautious consultations, Ambassador [Katherine] Tai determined to not reverse the ITC’s dedication and the ITC’s resolution grew to become remaining on December 26, 2023.”
Apple has staunchly refuted the pair of patent infringement claims behind the ban, made by well being tech firm Masimo. In a press release supplied to TechCrunch, Apple touts the gadget’s healthcare options, whereas promising to proceed preventing the choice:
At Apple, we work tirelessly to create services that meaningfully impression customers’ lives. It’s what drives our groups — Medical, Design and Engineering — to dedicate years to growing scientifically validated well being, health and wellness options for Apple Watch, and we’re impressed that thousands and thousands of individuals world wide have benefited tremendously from this product. We strongly disagree with the USITC resolution and ensuing exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Sequence 9 and Apple Watch Extremely 2 to clients within the U.S. as quickly as doable.
Apple has additionally appealed the choice with the Federal Circuit courtroom. The choice stems from a light-based pulse oximetry sensor launched on the Watch Sequence 6, again in 2020. Masimo has additionally accused Apple of poaching workers in a bid to carry the expertise to its smartwatch line.
In a press release launched shortly after the October ITC resolution, Masimo founder/CEO Joe Kiani famous, “At the moment’s ruling by the USITC sends a strong message that even the world’s largest firm is just not above the regulation. This essential dedication is a robust validation of our efforts to carry Apple accountable for unlawfully misappropriating our patented expertise.”
Kiani has continued on the offensive in opposition to the corporate in a collection of interviews over the previous few weeks.
Whereas at present barred within the U.S., the Watch Sequence 9 and Extremely 2 are nonetheless accessible for buy exterior the nation. The Watch SE, in the meantime, stays on sale within the States, because the extra budget-minded possibility doesn’t make the most of the identical sensor expertise.
