US ITC opposes Apple's motion for stay pending appeal in smartwatches case

The US International Trade Commission on Wednesday opposed Apple's motion for a stay pending appeal in a case involving sales of the company's flagship smartwatches, a court filing showed.

ITC had earlier ruled that Apple had infringed the patents of California-based tech company Masimo. Apple subsequently filed an emergency request asking the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to halt the order.

The tech giant secured a victory in the court, successfully pausing a the commission's ban.


Post the court order, Apple said in a statement that Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches would be back on sale in Apple Stores and through Apple's website on Thursday.

Sales of lower-priced Apple Watch SE, which does not have pulse-oximetry capabilities, remained unaffected.

Masimo accused the tech major of placing its employees, stealing its pulse oximetry technology and incorporating it into Apple Watches. As per reports, Masimo CEO Joe Kiani has indicated that he is willing to settle the dispute.

Apple later sued Masimo alleging that its legal actions were a "maneuver to clear a path" for its competing smartwatch.

A jury trial on Masimo's allegations in California federal court had ended with a mistrial in May and the case is yet to be rescheduled.