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Apple Wins Key USITC Ruling, Shields New Apple Watch Models from Import Ban

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. elds-new-apple-watch-models-from-import-ban.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, March 19th 2026 at 14:26 GMT by reuters.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 19, 2026 - Apple has successfully defended against a crucial attempt by Masimo, a medical technology company, to expand an existing import ban on Apple Watch devices. Today, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) ruled against Masimo's petition to extend the ban to include newer Apple Watch models, preserving the availability of the latest iterations of the popular wearable device in the United States.

The legal dispute centers around alleged patent infringement by Apple related to pulse oximetry technology utilized in the Apple Watch. Masimo initially secured a victory in a patent infringement case, claiming Apple had incorporated their patented light-based technology for accurately measuring blood oxygen saturation without permission. This initial victory led to an import ban, implemented in October 2023, affecting specific, older Apple Watch models.

Today's USITC decision, however, sharply limits the scope of that ban. Masimo sought to build upon their initial success by arguing that newer Apple Watch models, released after the initial ruling, also infringed on their patents. They contended that Apple had merely modified the design slightly to circumvent the original ban, while still employing the core patented technology. The USITC judge rejected this argument, allowing Apple to continue importing and selling its newest Apple Watch Series in the U.S. market.

This outcome represents a significant win for Apple, averting a potential supply chain disruption and preventing a broader restriction on their highly profitable wearable business. Analysts estimate the Apple Watch consistently holds a dominant share of the smartwatch market, and any further import restrictions would have undoubtedly impacted sales and market position. While the older models remain subject to the original import ban, Apple has been phasing those out with each new product release, mitigating the long-term financial impact.

The core of the dispute lies in the complex world of medical device technology and intellectual property. Masimo, a specialist in non-invasive patient monitoring, argues that Apple's integration of pulse oximetry into the Apple Watch encroached upon years of research and development. Masimo's technology is crucial in clinical settings for monitoring patients with respiratory conditions, and they maintain that Apple benefited unfairly from their innovation.

Apple, in its defense, has consistently argued that it developed its own independent technology for blood oxygen measurement, and that any similarities to Masimo's work are either coincidental or fall under fair use principles. They also highlight the substantial investment they have made in developing and refining the health features of the Apple Watch, positioning it as a tool for wellness and preventative care.

The USITC's decision is not necessarily the end of the legal battle. Masimo could potentially appeal the ruling, or pursue further legal action related to other patents. Furthermore, the Commission's decision only applies to imports into the U.S.; the dispute does not affect Apple's sales in other global markets. The original import ban on older Apple Watch models remains in effect, and customers seeking those specific devices may find limited availability.

Beyond the immediate impact on Apple and Masimo, this case raises broader questions about the intersection of technology, healthcare, and intellectual property. As consumer electronics increasingly incorporate medical-grade sensors and features, the potential for patent disputes is likely to increase. Companies will need to navigate these complex legal landscapes carefully to protect their innovations and avoid costly legal battles. This case will likely serve as a precedent for future disputes involving similar technologies. The ruling underscores the importance of demonstrating independent innovation, even when incorporating features commonly found in the medical device space. Experts predict increased scrutiny of health-related features in wearables and a rise in patent filings related to biosensors and health monitoring technologies.

Apple's stock (AAPL.O) saw a slight uptick in after-hours trading following the USITC announcement, indicating investor confidence in the company's ability to navigate these legal challenges.