Apple Inc's (NASDAQ:AAPL, ETR:APC) latest series of smartwatches has been stopped from going on sale in the US due to an ongoing patent dispute.
The White House has upheld a ban on sales and imports of the Apple Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches, despite the tech giant appealing against the restrictions.
The US International Trade Commission (USITC) had imposed the ban to protect Masimo, a device manufacturer, which has accused Apple of pinching its technology and workers.
Apple said it “strongly disagrees” with the ruling and intends to appeal.
Despite Apple's proactive removal of the devices from its US site and stores, sales elsewhere remain unaffected.
The USITC order, issued in October, underwent a 60-day review by the President, concluding on Christmas Day.
Apple sought a stay on the ban until Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has assessed whether redesigned versions of its watches, without the disputed technology, violate Masimo's patents.
CBP is expected to decide on 12 January.
In October, the USITC found Apple in violation of two patents owned by Masimo, which accused Apple of appropriating technology for measuring blood oxygen levels.
Most of Apple’s smartwatches since 2020 include the contested blood oxygen feature, however, the ban won’t affect previously sold versions.
"We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US as soon as possible," Apple said.
A company spokesperson at Masimo said: “This is a win for the integrity of the US patent system, and ultimately American consumers, who will benefit from an ecosystem that rewards true innovation.”