US consumers will again be able to purchase Apple’s latest smartwatches after the tech giant filed an emergency complaint with authorities.
Technology News UK reports that the U.S. trade organisation had banned the import and sale of Apple watches with technology for measuring blood oxygen levels due to a patent dispute. Device manufacturer Masimo accused Apple of stealing staff and technology. This came after the White House refused to lift a ban on sales and imports of Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches that came into effect on December 26th. Apple said it “strongly disagrees” with the ruling.
The iPhone maker filed an emergency petition with the US Court of Appeals, which successfully overturned the ban. Apple had requested a stay of the ban until Customs and Border Protection (CBP) could investigate whether redesigned versions of its watches that do not feature the controversial technology infringe Masimo’s patents.
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) order issued in October was subject to a 60-day review by the President, who can veto the decision. That review period ended on Christmas Day when the White House decided to keep the ban in place.
On Tuesday, the Office of U.S. Trade Representative and Ambassador Katherine Tai said it had decided not to overturn the USITC’s decision after “careful consultations.”