Apple (AAPL) can bypass an import ban on its newer Apple Watches by removing a blood-oxygen sensor that’s involved in a patent dispute with Masimo (MASI), the US Customs and Border Protection has determined, according to several media reports Monday.
Masimo reportedly said in a Federal Circuit filing Monday that Apple told the US Customs and Border Protection agency that its redesigned watches do not contain pulse oximetry features. Apple argued that the redesign would moot findings that the watches contain copyright-infringing technology, reports said.
The US International Trade Commission had issued an import ban on Apple’s current Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches, stemming from allegations that the devices’ blood-oxygen monitors infringe two Masimo patents. The trade agency has yet to give an opinion on the CBP’s decision.
Apple, Masimo, CBP and the ITC did not immediately respond to MT Newswires’ requests for comment.