Apple will be allowed to sell previously banned smart watches in the U.S. while it appeals the U.S. International Trade Commission's decision that it violated Masimo's patent, according to The Wall Street Journal.
A Dec. 27 decision by the U.S. appeals court paused the U.S. International Trade Commission's ban on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models, which allegedly violated a patent held by medical technology company Masimo. Masimo claims the watch's blood oxygen feature was copied from their technology.
In 2013, Apple considered acquiring Masimo, but decided instead to hire engineers to build the technology internally, according to the report. Other companies allege Apple similarly began partnership or acquisition talks but abandoned them after the smaller companies shared details about their technology. Apple has redesigned elements of the watch and is also asking for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for approval to import the devices.
Apple says it did not copy the smartwatch, or any other, design for its products.