Federal court upholds ban over alleged intellectual property infringement; Apple to halt sales of series 9 and ultra 2 models

Apple will be prohibited from selling its latest Apple Watch models, the Series 9 and Ultra 2, starting from today, following a federal court decision over claims that the devices use technology considered to be infringing on another company’s intellectual property. The ban, effective in the US, comes after the court lifted a temporary pause on the ban, impacting all Apple stores and third-party retailers. The legal dispute with medical device company Masimo centers around Apple’s blood oxygen sensors, with the court finding an infringement on Masimo’s intellectual property.

Apple is set to face a ban on the sale of its latest Apple Watch models, the Series 9 and Ultra 2, following a federal court’s decision to uphold claims of intellectual property infringement. The ban, effective immediately in the US, stems from an ongoing legal battle with medical device company Masimo over Apple’s blood oxygen sensors in the watches.

As of 5 pm EST on Thursday (18 January), Apple will be prohibited from selling the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in all Apple stores and third-party retailers in the US. The ban comes after the court lifted a temporary pause on the initial December ban, which had been in place during the appeals process. The ban only applies to the US market.

The legal dispute involves an intellectual property claim by Masimo, asserting that Apple’s blood oxygen sensors infringed on their technology. The International Trade Commission had previously ruled in Masimo’s favor in October, stating that Apple’s watches violated Masimo’s intellectual property rights. Apple intends to appeal the decision but must comply with the ban during the process.

Apple, while expressing strong disagreement with the allegations, is taking steps to comply with the ruling. The company plans to modify the watches, removing the blood oxygen feature from the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. Modified versions will be available for sale on the same day the ban comes into effect. Apple asserts its commitment to customer access to the Apple Watch, ensuring minimal disruption during the legal process.

The federal court’s decision to uphold the ban on Apple Watch sales marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle with Masimo. As Apple takes steps to comply with the ruling and modifies its products accordingly, the impact on the sales and future developments of the Apple Watch remains a focal point amid the intellectual property dispute.