Apple changes design to bypass sales ban
It has been reported that Apple may be able to bypass the sales ban on certain smartwatch models, stemming from a patent dispute with Masimo, by using a redesigned model.
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In a petition filed by Masimo with the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals, it was stated that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency decided last week that Apple's redesigned watch model falls outside the scope of the ban.
The petition also noted that Apple reported its redesigned watches do not contain the technology subject to Masimo's pulse oximeter patent.
Sales ban on Apple's smartwatches
The U.S. International Trade Commission, which handles international trade disputes, ruled last October that the blood oxygen level reading feature on the Apple Watch infringed on Masimo's pulse oximeter patents.
The commission's decision was not vetoed by the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden.
With the Biden administration choosing not to veto the decision by the December 25, 2023, deadline, sales of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Watch Series 9 were banned in the U.S.
Apple had appealed the decision by applying to the Federal Court of Appeals. Requesting a stay of the decision, Apple had asked to wait for the assessment of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which was set to decide by January 12 whether the redesigned versions of the watches infringed on Masimo's patents.