Apple Watch Faces Potential Ban as Biden Okays ITC Ruling on AliveCor’s Electrocardiogram Patent Infringement

Apple was at the wrong end of a patent ruling by the US International Trade Commission in December 2021 where it determined that Apple Watch’s electrocardiogram function infringed on AliveCor’s patent. The ITC had imposed a Limited Exclusion Order (LEO) and a cease and desist order on Apple Watches infringing on AliveCor patents. However, the ruling had to be reviewed by the US president. A press release by AliveCor indicates that the ruling has now cleared the Presidential review.

As a reminder, the ITC ruling found that Apple’s Watch Series 4 and later models infringed on AliveCor’s electrocardiogram technology patents. Apple’s electrocardiogram feature allows users to take an ECG reading with their Apple Watch by placing their finger on the watch’s digital crown for 30 seconds. This feature is available on the Watch Series 4 and later models.

According to reports, the ban on the importation of infringing Apple Watches could have a significant impact on Apple’s bottom line, as the company sells millions of watches in the United States each year. If the ban goes into effect, Apple would likely have to redesign its Apple Watch or find a way to license the technology from AliveCor.

It is not yet clear whether Apple plans to appeal the ITC’s ruling or if the company has any plans to license the technology from AliveCor. However, the potential ban on the importation of infringing Apple Watches highlights the importance of intellectual property protection in the technology industry.

Patent infringement lawsuits are not uncommon in the technology industry, and companies often go to great lengths to protect their intellectual property. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for other companies in the industry that use similar technology in their products.

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