Import Ban Upheld for Certain Apple Watches

The Biden administration has chosen to maintain the import ban on specific Apple watches as part of a patent infringement case related to health care technology. The ruling, issued by the U.S. International Trade Commission, found Apple, Inc. in violation of two patents held by Masimo Corporation and Cercacor Laboratories, Inc. pertaining to a blood oxygen sensor capable of measuring pulse rates. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, authorized to review and potentially overturn import ban orders under U.S. trade law, opted not to reverse the ITC's determination, resulting in the ban becoming final on December 26, 2023. In response, Apple has ceased selling the Series 9 and Ultra 2 versions of its watch and is pursuing legal action against the decision. The company has expressed strong disagreement with the ruling and is actively working to reintroduce the affected watches to U.S. customers. While it is uncommon for presidents to override ITC rulings of this nature, former President Barack Obama did so in 2013 for specific Apple products. President Joe Biden has not intervened in a similar patent dispute involving Apple and AliveCor. Apple has also submitted a redesigned version of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches for approval by U.S. Customs, assuring existing customers of continued service.