Apple announced that it will stop sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the USA. The decision comes in the wake of patent disputes between Apple and medical technology company Masimo. Here’s everything that happened.
Apple has made an important decision regarding Apple Watch models, which have been on the agenda with patent discussions over the years. According to the statement first made to 9to5Mac, the technology giant announced that some Apple Watch models in the USA is stopping its sales this week.
The decision, which is valid only in the USA, was introduced this year. Includes Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models. The company will stop selling these devices via its website on December 21. It will be removed from all Apple stores in the country on December 24.
The reason for the decision was patent disputes between Apple and medical technology company Masimo.
Let’s take a look at why Apple stopped selling its flagship Apple Watch models in the US. The technology giant has been Masimo He was having problems with a medical device company about his smart watches. This company makes Apple Watches The sensor that measures the oxygen level in the blood was copied from them. and he was saying that Apple was violating a patent. Let us note that the problems between the two sides date back to 2020. According to Masimo, such violations have been occurring since Apple Watch Series 6.
The US International Trade Commission banned Apple Watch models in October
Masimo first filed a lawsuit on the issue in 2020 and later in 2021. And after that To the US International Trade Commission (ITC) applied. After investigations, ITC discovered that Apple had violated 2 patents. These were also related to technology that measures blood oxygen levels.
ITC announced that Apple Watch models will be available at the end of October. It banned its import to the USA. The institution then sent the case to the Biden government for review. A period of 60 days, ending on December 25, was granted for the presidential review. So far, no steps have been taken by the government that could veto the decision.
Masimo CEO Joe Kiani, in his statement when the ban came, said, “ITC’s decision, “It sends a strong message that even the world’s largest company is not above the law.” he said.
In short, the ban would come into force on December 25 unless there is a different move from the Biden administration. Apple also announced that it decided to make such a move a little earlier in order to comply with the ban. ITC’s decision only affects Apple sales. This means that devices can be purchased by third-party sellers such as Amazon. It is unknown whether there will be a change in this regard.
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Sales will start back as soon as possible, according to Apple
Now we will wait until December 25th to see what happens. Apple will appeal the ban if there is no move from the Biden administration. The company said sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2as soon as possible” He says he will start again, but cannot give an exact date.