Last updated on February 23rd, 2024 at 10:36 am

Following a dispute with medical-tech firm Masimo, a US government commission banned the imports and sales of certain smartwatches

Apple achieved a legal victory on Wednesday as a US appeals court temporarily suspended a government commission’s import ban on certain Apple smartwatches, which was imposed following a patent dispute with medical technology firm Masimo.

The tech giant had urgently requested the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to halt the order after appealing the US International Trade Commission’s (ITC) ruling that Apple had violated Masimo’s patents.

Representatives for Apple and Masimo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The appeals court issued a four-paragraph ruling stating that it would temporarily suspend the ban while it reviews Apple’s request for a more extended pause during the appeals process. The court has given the US International Trade Commission (ITC) until January 10 to respond to Apple’s request.

On Tuesday, the Biden administration chose not to veto the ban, allowing it to go into effect. Later that day, Apple requested a pause on the ban.

Masimo has alleged that Apple recruited its employees, misappropriated its pulse oximetry technology, and integrated it into Apple Watches.

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) prohibited the imports and sales of Apple Watches equipped with technology for measuring blood-oxygen levels. Apple introduced a pulse oximeter feature in its smartwatches beginning with the Series 6 model in 2020.

Apple has temporarily halted the sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the US. However, these watches continue to be available through other retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, and Walmart.

The ban does not impact the Apple Watch SE, which is a less expensive model that does not include a pulse oximeter. Watches that were previously sold will also not be affected by the ban.

A jury trial in California federal court regarding Masimo’s allegations against Apple ended in a mistrial in May. Apple has also sued Masimo for patent infringement in federal court in Delaware, characterizing Masimo’s legal actions as a tactic to pave the way for its own competing smartwatch.

According to a company report, Apple’s wearables, home, and accessory business, which includes the Apple Watch, AirPods earbuds, and other products, generated $8.28 billion in revenue during the third quarter of 2023.

Following the decision, Masimo shares fell nearly 5%, while Apple shares remained almost flat.