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Wednesday May 08, 2024

Apple can finally sell new watch series in US after court appeal

Apple was able to have prohibition lifted in US by submitting urgent plea to court

By Web Desk
December 27, 2023
A display of Apples new series of smart watches. — Apple
A display of Apple's new series of smart watches. — Apple

Sales of Apple's most recent smartwatches can once again begin in the United States following the tech giant's emergency appeal to the authorities

Due to a patent dispute, US sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches were suspended, according to BBC.

The US Trade Association has prohibited sales and imports of Apple watches equipped with blood-oxygen sensor technology.

Apple was accused by device maker Masimo of stealing its employees and technology.

It follows the White House's decision not to reverse the import and sales restriction that went into force this week on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 timepieces. 

According to Apple, it "strongly disagrees" with the decision.

By submitting an urgent plea to the US Court of Appeals, the iPhone manufacturer was able to have the prohibition lifted.

Apple "pre-emptively" banned the devices from US retailers and its website earlier this month. There has been no impact on sales elsewhere.

The president, who has the authority to veto the decision, has sixty days to examine the October order from the US International Trade Commission (USITC). On Christmas Day, the White House chose to maintain the ban, ending the review period.

"Careful consultations" led to the office of US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai deciding against overturning the USITC's ruling, the ambassador's office announced Tuesday.