Biden Administration refused to stay Apple Watch Ban, company appeals against USITC’s decision

Biden Administration refused to stay the recent ruling from the US International Trade Commission (ITC) for a ban on Apple Watch.

Masimo, a medical technology firm, filed a complaint against Apple for infringing its patent rights. Masimo also claims that Apple has hired its employees to use its patented oximeter in Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 smartwatches.

However, Apple disagrees with ITC’s order to ban the import of these two watch models.

Therefore, the iPhone maker on Tuesday filed an emergency request for the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to halt the ban.

Apple appealed to the Federal Circuit to pause the ban until US Customs and Borders Protection clarifies whether the redesigned Apple Watches will infringe Masimo’s patents.

The company also requested to stay the ban while the court considers Apple’s request. With that being said, the customs office will make its decision on January 12.

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai also came up with a decision that she will follow ITC’s ban order as it came into effect on December 26.

Meanwhile, ITC has already rejected Apple’s request to pause the ban until the appeal process is completed.

“We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible,” an Apple spokesperson said in a statement.

The Cupertino-based tech company has already stopped the online and offline sales of the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US starting last week. Yet, consumers could still find stock on third-party e-commerce platforms.

Apple’s wearable business contributes a large chunk of revenue in its yearly performance. A permanent ban on these smartwatches would hurt some expected business for its already lowered forecast.

(via – CNBC)