Apple Puts Brakes On Watch Sales In The US Over Patent Clash

The Apple Watch Series 9. Photo 291217994 © Ifeelstock | Dreamstime.com

Apple finds itself in a legal bind this holiday season, as it’s forced to pull the plug on sales of its newest Apple Watch models in the US due to a patent dispute with Masimo, a medical technology company. The Cupertino tech giant was found by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) to have infringed on its opponent’s patents.

Starting December 21, you won’t find the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Apple’s online store, and after December 24, they’ll also disappear from Apple's physical retail locations. Partnering retailers will come out of this decision unscathed as they’ll continue stocking these models, but it will unquestionably be a significant hit for Apple during a crucial shopping period.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2. Photo 291746351 © Ifeelstock | Dreamstime.com

The legal tussle dates back to before the launch of the first Apple Watch, when Apple and Masimo were considering a collaboration that never materialized. Fast forward to the present, and the two are embroiled in a legal battle over the technology used in Apple Watches for monitoring blood oxygen levels—a feature Masimo claims violates its patents.

Despite some of Masimo’s patents being invalidated by the US Patent and Trademark Office, the ITC has ruled in favor of implementing an import ban on the affected Apple Watch models. Per Reuters, the ruling is pending a review by President Joe Biden, which will close on Christmas day. Apple, looking to stay ahead of potential complications, has decided to halt sales of these models in the US.

As the tech behemoth gears up to comply with the import ban, customers in the US will have to say a temporary goodbye to the latest Apple Watch models.

[via Reuters, CBS News, Bloomberg, images via Dreamstime.com]