A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that Apple cannot import its Apple Watch models that include a blood oxygen feature while an appeal of a ban implemented by the International Trade Commission plays out in court—the latest blow to Apple as it battles a patent infringement case over its watch technology.
Apple may have to stop importing two of its Apple Watch series for a year or more, Bloomberg ... [+]
Wednesday’s ruling denies Apple’s request to extend a stay on the import ban and instead upholds the ban on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches as the case plays out, which could take more than a year, Bloomberg reported.
Apple had requested the appeals court allow the import of the watches while it appeals the ban, which stems from a lawsuit by health technology company Masimo that argued the devices infringed upon its patents of a pulse oximeter function to read blood oxygen levels.
The import ban—which briefly went into effect in December—will be reinstated at 5 p.m. EST on Thursday.
Apple is still able to import and sell watches that don’t have the blood oxygen reading capabilities while the appeal is considered.