The end of 2023 was very difficult for Apple. The Cupertino company was forced to stop sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 due to a direct order from the International Trade Commission. possible infringement of registered patents By the Masimo brand.

Shortly after the next generation two models of the Apple Watch were banned in the United States, Apple managed to temporarily avoid the sales ban by appealing to the Court. Now the ban may come back International Trade Commission opposes Apple suspension request.

“We strongly disagree with the USITC’s decision and the resulting exclusion order, and we are taking every step to return the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to U.S. customers as quickly as possible.”

International Trade Commission found Apple’s objection ‘weak and unconvincing’

Banning Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 could cause huge economic losses for Apple

a registered document United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit It reveals that the International Trade Commission opposed Apple’s call to suspend the ban on sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

According to International Trade Commission lawyers, Apple’s claim is very weak and unconvincing. The United States Court will continue to accept responses from other parties until January 15, 2024.

“Apple has presented a weak and unconvincing case to invoke the extraordinary remedy of a stay pending appeal. Its arguments amount to little more than an undisputed infringer seeking permission to continue infringing the alleged patents.”

Harsh statements from lawyers for the United States International Trade Commission, excusing the excess: Will defend the reintroduction of the sales ban One of the newest generation Apple Watches in the North American market.

Apple may have infringed up to 10 registered Masimo patents, although there’s still a way out

Apple plans to release watchOS 10 software update to avoid ban

It all started more than ten years ago. In 2013, medical technology research company Masimo was on the verge of collapse. Collaborate with Apple on the development of the first Apple Watch model.

Executives met with senior Apple officials Reaching an agreement. But in the end it didn’t happen that way. from Masimo They accused Apple of hiring employees from their own ranks They sued for “stealing trade secrets” and a few years later sued the company run by Tim Cook for allegedly: Infringes 10 patents related to blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurement sensor on the two latest Apple Watch models.

If Apple’s appeal is ultimately rejected and the sales ban is reinstated, the company with the bitten apple logo will still have a bullet left in the chamber to salvage the situation. Software engineers are preparing watchOS 10 software update to bypass the ban Changing blood oxygen saturation analyzes and how data is presented to users. Although everything indicates that Apple and Masimo will have to reach an economic agreement to resolve the case.