Last updated on March 23rd, 2024 at 07:22 am

The import ban pertains to Apple’s Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches and arises from a patent infringement dispute with Masimo

US Customs and Border Protection has concluded that the redesigned Apple Watch is not affected by an import ban, as stated in a court filing on Monday. This ban, issued by the US International Trade Commission (ITC), is applicable to Apple’s existing Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches and originates from a patent infringement disagreement with the medical technology company Masimo.

The ITC prohibited Apple from importing and selling Apple Watches equipped with technology for measuring blood oxygen levels, citing allegations of patent infringement by Masimo. Apple has included a pulse oximeter feature in its smartwatches since the Series 6 Apple Watch in 2020.

In response to the ITC decision, Apple briefly halted sales of its latest Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches in the United States before Christmas. However, these watches remained available from other US retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, and Walmart.

Although the ban officially took effect on December 26, Apple managed to obtain a temporary halt from a US appeals court the following day. As a result, Apple has resumed selling the watches while it challenges the import ruling.

Apple contended that a planned redesign would render moot the findings that the watches violate Masimo’s patents related to blood-oxygen readings. Apple has not disclosed details of the redesign, which may include a software update for the watches.

The customs agency’s determination could be overturned if the ITC disagrees with it.

Masimo alleges that Apple recruited its employees and misappropriated its pulse oximetry technology for use in Apple Watches. In response, Apple has filed a countersuit, characterizing Masimo’s legal actions as an attempt to remove obstacles for its own competing smartwatch.