How will the renewed US import ban proceedings against Apple Watches affect the smartwatch industry and patent battles with Masimo?
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| The ITC’s new investigation into Apple’s Apple Watches highlights growing tensions over medical tech patents and could impact the global wearable market. Image: CH |
Washington, USA — November 16, 2025:
The renewed proceedings by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) against Apple are drawing fresh attention to one of the most high-profile patent disputes in the wearable technology industry. The commission will examine whether Apple’s redesigned Apple Watches—updated to avoid a previous import ban—still infringe Masimo’s blood-oxygen monitoring patents. The ITC aims to conclude the investigation within six months.
Apple dismissed the latest action as a “meritless attempt” to block its smartwatch feature, claiming that Masimo copied its watch design to bolster the case. Meanwhile, Masimo has aggressively pursued multiple legal avenues, including lawsuits against Apple and challenges to U.S. Customs’ approval of the updated watches. On Friday, a Santa Ana jury awarded Masimo $634 million in damages for patent infringement, while a separate trade-secret case ended in a mistrial in 2023.
This multi-front legal battle reflects broader challenges in the wearable and medical tech space, where companies increasingly integrate advanced health monitoring into consumer electronics. For Apple, a renewed import ban could disrupt product launches and supply chains. For Masimo, the proceedings serve as a strategic defense to protect intellectual property and maintain its technological edge.
The dispute also highlights how patent enforcement is shaping competition in the global wearable market. Smaller firms like Masimo are leveraging legal frameworks to hold major tech players accountable, while Apple demonstrates the agility and resources needed to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
Industry observers note that the outcome could set a precedent for future patent disputes in health-focused wearables, potentially influencing innovation, market competition, and the rollout of emerging technologies. As such, the ITC’s decision is being closely watched by companies, investors, and regulators worldwide.