Emmanuel OchayiApple has declared its intention to appeal the US import and sales ban on its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches, expressing strong disagreement with the decision by the Biden Administration.
Despite their efforts to preemptively remove the devices, the ban persisted, prompting the tech giant to pursue legal measures.
“Apple remains committed to delivering innovative technology to our customers. We vehemently oppose the decision and are actively working towards restoring these products to the market,” stated an Apple spokesperson.
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The dispute, stemming from accusations by medical device maker Masimo, revolves around alleged employee poaching and technology misappropriation. Masimo celebrated the decision, heralding it as a win for the integrity of the US patent system and a benefit to consumers supporting genuine innovation.
The US International Trade Commission’s ban, based on violations of patents held by Masimo and Cercacor Laboratories, Inc., has spurred Apple’s urgent filing for an emergency lift of the ban through the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
The company seeks swift action to reintroduce the affected smartwatches to its US customer base.
Amid this legal battle, the fate of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches remains uncertain, pending a Customs and Border Protection decision expected on January 12.
The standoff underscores the escalating tension between tech giants and patent holders, illustrating the complexities of intellectual property disputes in the modern digital landscape.
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