In the latest update on the patent dispute between Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and medical technology firm Masimo (NASDAQ:MASI), the U.S. International Trade Commission or ITC has issued a potential ban on Cupertino from importing its Apple Watch.
What Happened: On Thursday, the ITC upheld a January judge’s decision, which found Apple guilty of infringing Masimo’s patent rights. These rights pertain to a light-based technology used in blood-oxygen-level monitoring.
The ruling, however, is not effective immediately, as it awaits presidential review and possible appeals. U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration has 60 days to determine whether to veto this ban before it comes into effect. Notably, Presidents have rarely vetoed bans in the past, reported Reuters.
After the review, Apple can challenge the ban in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
An Apple spokesperson argued that Masimo is unjustly using the ITC to prevent a crucial product from reaching U.S. consumers, thereby paving the way for Masimo’s watch that mimics Apple’s.
Despite the decision’s lack of immediate impact on sales, Apple is determined ...