The US Federal Trade Agency ruled on Thursday that Apple has infringed on a patent of a competitor technology company, which could lead to the ban on certain models of Apple's smartwatches from being imported.
The case involves medical technology company Masimo, which filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in 2021 alleging that Apple violated its patent related to measuring blood oxygen levels. Since 2020, Apple has installed a sensor called a pulse oximeter in most new Apple watches.
ITC believes that Apple has violated US trade laws and has issued import restrictions on some Apple watches, prohibiting them from being imported into the United States. The Biden administration has 60 days to overturn the committee's decision. If the government refuses, Apple can appeal.
Apple has several possible ways to avoid the ban. The company can also choose to modify the Apple Watch - possibly in software - to avoid using controversial technology.
Apple may also seek a settlement with Masimo. In the past few years, these two companies have been engaged in a mutually exclusive legal struggle. Masimo alleges that Apple has stolen its technology and poached its employees with the aim of launching a competing feature in the Apple Watch.