Apple’s current Apple Watch models were cleared by the U.S. International Trade Commission on March 19 2026, after the agency found that the watches do not infringe Masimo’s patents and rejected Masimo’s bid to reinstate an import ban. The decision is preliminary, but it allows Apple to continue selling the existing watch line without the threat of a new import restriction.
The dispute dates back to 2023, when the ITC issued a limited exclusion order and cease‑and‑desist against certain Apple Watch models for alleged patent infringement. Apple responded by redesigning the watches to remove or alter the blood‑oxygen reading technology, a change that the March 19 ruling confirms was sufficient to avoid infringement. A federal jury had previously awarded Masimo $634 million in November 2025 for patent infringement involving watches sold between 2020 and 2022, a verdict that Apple is appealing.
Apple welcomed the ruling, saying it was “pleased with the ITC’s decision and will evaluate all avenues for further review.” The company also reiterated that, “For six years, Masimo has brought dozens of false claims against Apple, nearly all of which have been rejected.” The statement signals Apple’s confidence that the redesigns were effective and that the company will continue to defend its products against what it views as unfounded litigation.
For Apple, the ruling removes a significant legal hurdle and strengthens its competitive position in the smartwatch market. While the decision does not immediately affect financial results, it preserves the company’s ability to sell current Apple Watch models without interruption, thereby protecting revenue streams and maintaining market share. For Masimo, the ruling is a setback in its strategy to block Apple’s products, and it may prompt the company to pursue further legal avenues or alternative tactics.
The outcome underscores the ongoing legal battle between the two firms, which includes multiple ITC rulings, a federal jury verdict, and several appeals. The preliminary nature of the ruling means that the final commission decision remains pending, and both companies are likely to continue their legal contestations. Apple’s ability to navigate regulatory challenges and maintain product availability will be closely watched by investors and industry observers as the dispute evolves.
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