Apple Watch Faces New Import Ban Review

ITC reopens dispute over blood-oxygen technology patents

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has announced a new proceeding to determine whether Apple’s redesigned smartwatches should face another import ban. The case centers on allegations that Apple’s updated devices still infringe patents held by medical technology company Masimo. A previous ITC ruling in 2023 blocked imports of Apple’s Series 9 and Ultra 2 models, prompting Apple to temporarily remove the blood-oxygen feature. The commission aims to conclude its latest investigation within six months.

Renewed Patent Dispute

Apple reintroduced its blood-oxygen monitoring technology in August after receiving approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Masimo has challenged that approval in court, arguing that Apple’s modifications continue to violate its intellectual property. The company accuses Apple of hiring away employees to gain access to pulse-oximetry innovations. Apple, in turn, has dismissed the claims as meritless and accused Masimo of copying its watch design.

The ITC’s decision to reopen the case highlights the ongoing complexity of the dispute. Apple maintains that its redesigned watches comply with regulatory requirements. Masimo insists that the changes are insufficient and that its patents remain infringed. The outcome could have significant implications for Apple’s smartwatch sales in the U.S. market.

Legal Battles Across Jurisdictions

The conflict between Apple and Masimo extends beyond the ITC. Masimo has filed lawsuits in California federal court alleging patent infringement and trade-secret theft. A jury in Santa Ana recently ordered Apple to pay $634 million in damages for infringing one of Masimo’s patents. However, a separate trade-secret case ended in a mistrial in 2023 after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict.

Apple has also pursued countersuits against Masimo. In Delaware, the company won a symbolic $250 verdict in a case claiming that Masimo’s smartwatches infringed Apple’s design patents. Both sides continue to fight across multiple legal fronts, reflecting the high stakes of wearable technology innovation. The disputes underscore the competitive pressures in the medical monitoring and consumer electronics industries.

Implications for Apple and the Market

The ITC’s review could determine whether Apple’s latest smartwatch models remain available in the U.S. If the commission rules against Apple, imports could be blocked again, disrupting sales and consumer access. Apple has argued that Masimo’s actions are intended to limit competition rather than protect innovation. Masimo counters that enforcing its patents is essential to safeguarding its technology.

Patent disputes in the wearable sector highlight the growing overlap between consumer electronics and medical monitoring. Devices like smartwatches increasingly incorporate health features that rely on specialized technologies. As companies compete to expand these capabilities, intellectual property conflicts are likely to intensify. The ITC’s decision will be closely watched by both industry players and consumers.