In a significant legal victory for Apple, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled in favor of the company, dismissing allegations of patent infringement brought by AliveCor, a medical technology firm specializing in heart monitoring. The decision ensures that Apple Watches will remain available for sale, averting a potential import ban that had loomed over the tech giant.
The dispute centered on AliveCor’s claims that Apple infringed on three patents related to electrocardiogram (EKG) technology, which enables the Apple Watch to detect irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation. AliveCor, known for its KardiaBand accessory for earlier Apple Watch models, filed the complaint in 2021, accusing Apple of copying its innovations and then sidelining competitors by removing access to critical heart-rate data. The company sought a ban on imports of Apple Watches featuring the contested technology.
Apple vehemently denied the allegations, arguing that its heart-monitoring features were developed independently and that AliveCor’s patents were invalid. The ITC’s final determination, issued Thursday, sided with Apple, stating that the company did not violate Section 337 of the Tariff Act, which governs unfair trade practices. According to a detailed report by 9to5Mac, the ITC’s ruling hinged on prior court decisions that had already invalidated AliveCor’s patents in a separate federal case.
“We applaud the ITC’s decision, which confirms that Apple’s innovations prioritize user health without infringing on competitors’ intellectual property,” said an Apple spokesperson. “Our teams will continue advancing technology that empowers consumers with life-saving tools.”
AliveCor expressed disappointment, vowing to appeal. “This ruling undermines the value of patented inventions critical to cardiac care,” the company stated. “We will pursue all legal avenues to protect our technology and ensure fair competition.”
The outcome is a relief for Apple, which has faced multiple legal challenges over its wearable tech. Last year, the company temporarily paused sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 due to a separate patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo over blood oxygen sensors. A subsequent settlement allowed sales to resume, but the AliveCor case had threatened to reignite similar disruptions.
Industry analysts note that the ruling reinforces Apple’s dominance in the smartwatch market, where health features remain a key selling point. Over 20% of Apple’s revenue now comes from wearables, with the Watch playing a central role in its ecosystem.
While the ITC’s decision closes this chapter, AliveCor’s pending appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit could prolong the battle. For now, however, Apple Watch users—and investors—can breathe easier, knowing the devices will stay on shelves.
The case underscores the high-stakes nature of patent wars in health tech, where companies balance innovation with legal risks. As wearables evolve into essential medical tools, such disputes are likely to intensify, shaping the future of consumer healthcare technology.
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