In a recent development, two high-end models of the Apple Watch are set to make a comeback in the market after a federal court temporarily lifted a sales halt imposed by the International Trade Commission (ITC). The ITC had issued the halt in October, preventing Apple from using specific technologies related to a blood-oxygen measurement system in its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches. This move came amidst an ongoing intellectual property dispute between Apple and medical technology company Masimo.
As a result of the ITC ruling, Apple had ceased online sales of the affected watches in the U.S. just days before the Christmas holiday. The court’s recent action will allow the resumption of sales for the two Apple Watch models while it considers Apple’s appeal against the ITC decision. This decision comes as a relief for both Apple and eager customers, especially during the holiday season.
Apple has promptly announced that the two watch models will be available for purchase on its online store by noon Pacific Time on Thursday. Additionally, these watches will start reappearing in some Apple stores as early as Wednesday, with wider availability expected by Saturday. This indicates a swift response from Apple to comply with the court’s decision and make the products accessible to consumers once again.
The ongoing legal battle between Apple and Masimo revolves around the disputed technologies integral to the blood-oxygen measurement system in the Apple Watch models. While the court has temporarily lifted the sales halt, the final decision on the matter is pending, and the court will continue to assess Apple’s appeal. This highlights the complexity of intellectual property disputes in the tech industry and the significant impact such legal proceedings can have on product availability and sales.
Consumers who have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to purchase the Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watch models can now look forward to their return to the market. The court’s decision to lift the sales halt temporarily is a notable development in the ongoing legal saga, and both Apple and Masimo will be closely watching the proceedings as the court weighs the arguments presented in the appeal.
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