Apple Watch May Not Be Available for Purchase in the U.S. After Christmas
Import Ban to the US Due to Patent Infringement
Effectiveness by End of December Unless Presidential Veto
Apple Stock Falls on Negative News
After this year's Christmas, it is highly likely that Apple Watches will not be available for purchase in the United States. Major foreign media reported on the 26th (local time) that the ITC (U.S. International Trade Commission) has issued a preliminary import ban order on Apple Watches that infringe on patent rights.
![The latest Apple Watch model, Series 9 [Photo by KT]](http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/img_view.htm?img=2023102709493131148_1698367771.jpg)
Apple Watches are currently manufactured in overseas factories such as in China and then imported into the United States. The ITC's order will take effect 60 days later unless the president exercises a veto. As of the 27th, 60 days later is December 26th. If the import ban is confirmed, Apple Watches will not be available for purchase within the U.S. Investing.com stated, "In the past, presidents have rarely exercised veto power over such issues."
The medical device company Masimo has claimed that the blood oxygen measurement sensor in the Apple Watch was developed by stealing its trade secrets and has been in dispute with Apple. The ITC recognized Apple's patent infringement last January and has now issued an import ban order. Masimo CEO Joe Kiani welcomed the decision, saying, "It shows that even the world's largest companies cannot be above the law." Apple immediately rebutted, claiming, "Masimo copied Apple," and argued that "the ITC's decision should be overturned." Apple has also filed a lawsuit against Masimo in federal court, alleging patent infringement.
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The Apple Watch is one of Apple's flagship products. In the third quarter of this year alone, the accessories business segment, including the Apple Watch, generated sales of $8.28 billion (approximately 11.2 trillion KRW). Following the news of the ITC's import ban order, Apple's stock price closed at $166.9, down 2.45% from the previous day.
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