Apple resumes sales of smartwatches post appeals court win: here’s what you need to know

Tech giant Apple can now resume sales of its smartwatches, after the company secured a victory in a US appeals court, successfully pausing a government commission’s ban on import and sale of certain devices.

The court halted the ban on Wednesday while it considers the company’s request for a longer-term pause during the appeals process.

What’s the case?
US International Trade Commission (ITC) had earlier ruled that Apple had infringed the patents of California-based tech company Masimo. Apple subsequently filed an emergency request asking the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to halt the order.

The ITC had barred imports and sales of Apple Watches with blood-oxygen level reading technology. The feature is available from its Series 6 model, which launched in 2020.

Also read | Explainer: What is next after pause of US Apple Watch import ban?

Post the apples court order, Apple said in a statement that Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches would be back on sale in Apple Stores and through Apple’s website on Thursday.

Sales of lower-priced Apple Watch SE, which does not have pulse-oximetry capabilities, remained unaffected.

Masimo’s allegations
Masimo accused the tech major of placing its employees, stealing its pulse oximetry technology and incorporating it into Apple Watches. As per reports, Masimo CEO Joe Kiani has indicated that he is willing to settle the dispute.

Apple later sued Masimo alleging that its legal actions were a “maneuver to clear a path” for its competing smartwatch.

A jury trial on Masimo’s allegations in California federal court had ended with a mistrial in May and the case is yet to be rescheduled.

Apple’s response
Apple has said it is working on a range of legal and technical options.

Apple told the appeals court that US Customs and Border Protection is considering whether redesigned versions of its watches infringe Masimo’s patents and can be imported. The customs agency has set a target date of Jan. 12 for its decision, Apple said.

(With inputs from agency)