© Reuters Biden administration decides not to repeal ITC ban on Apple watches
The Biden administration has chosen not to overturn the US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling banning imports of Apple Watches (NASDAQ that use controversial blood oxygen level reading technology.
As of December 26, the ban stems from a complaint from medical technology company Masimo (NASDAQ:), alleging that Apple (AAPL) illegally incorporated its pulse oximetry technology into the Apple Watch.
“After careful consultation, Ambassador Katherine Tai decided not to reverse the ITC's determination and the ITC's decision became final on December 26, 2023,” the agency said in its decision.
Masimo, in addition to facing a mistrial in his California federal court case against Apple, is countersued by Apple for patent infringement.
The ban coincides with Apple's decision to stop sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches, affecting its lucrative wearable business, which racked up $8.28 billion in the third quarter of 2023.
