Biden administration decides not to overturn ITC’s ban on Apple Watches

The Biden administration has opted not to overturn the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) ruling banning imports of Apple (NASDAQ:) Watches using contested blood-oxygen level reading technology.

Effective December 26, the ban arises from a complaint by medical tech firm Masimo (NASDAQ:), alleging Apple (AAPL) unlawfully incorporated its pulse oximetry tech into the Apple Watch.

“After careful consultations, Ambassador Katherine Tai decided not to reverse the ITC’s determination and the ITC’s decision became final on December 26, 2023,” the agency said in its decision.

Masimo, besides facing a mistrial in its California federal court case against Apple, is counter-sued by Apple for patent infringement.

The ban coincides with Apple’s decision to halt sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches, affecting its lucrative wearables business, which amassed $8.28 billion in Q3 2023.