Apple is not one to stop selling a device it just released, but a legal battle over patents has led to Apple stopping sales of some Apple Watch models instead of settling in court. This measure included the Apple Watch Series 9 as well as the more premium Apple Watch Ultra 2. Now, thanks to a court order, Apple can resume sales—but only for now.
Apple has successfully sought and obtained a reprieve on the bans it was facing from a federal appeals court. Apple was temporarily blocked from the the sale and import of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, both of which were rleeased earlier this year, due to unresolved patent disputes. The court order means that the company can continue selling the aforementioned smartwatches until US Customs gives its verdict on whether the recent modifications made to the devices can resolve the patent dispute. The ruling by the appeals court came just before the expected Customs ruling, which is set to take place on January 12th.
The ban was a result of a patent dispute between Apple and medical device maker Masimo, with the US International Trade Commission finding Apple in violation of Masimo patents and ordering a sales ban. Consequently, Apple removed both watches from its website and store shelves. While the ban is in effect, other retailers can continue selling existing Apple Watch stock, but Apple is barred from selling its watches or introducing new ones into the country.
It’s important to note here that the current solution is only temporary, as the appeals court is still deliberating on a more extended pause for the import and sales ban. Apple has urged for a halt until the court issues a comprehensive ruling on the patent infringement case, a decision that may take several more weeks to materialize. Likewise, this can take a completely different turn and result in sales being prohibited definitely. We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, you can now buy an Apple Watch again—and maybe do it now, just in case, since that other ruling is due in a few weeks.
Source: The Verge
