Apple Prevails Over AliveCor in U.S. Smartwatch Import Dispute

Background: AliveCor's Allegations Against Apple

In 2021, AliveCor, a medical device company specializing in heart rate monitoring technology, accused Apple of infringing on three of its patents. These patents were associated with AliveCor's KardiaBand, an Apple Watch accessory designed to monitor heart rates and detect irregularities, including atrial fibrillation. AliveCor claimed that starting with the Apple Watch Series 4, Apple incorporated similar functionalities, leading to allegations of patent infringement. ​ 

Legal Proceedings: ITC and Patent Office Involvement

AliveCor sought intervention from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in 2021, aiming to block imports of Apple Watches that allegedly infringed on its patents. In December 2022, the ITC ruled that Apple had violated two of AliveCor's patents and recommended an import ban on the infringing Apple Watch models. However, this ban was suspended pending further review, especially considering that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) had invalidated AliveCor's patents at Apple's request earlier that month. ​ 

Appeals Court Decision: Patents Deemed Invalid

On March 7, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld the PTAB's decision, affirming that AliveCor's heart rate monitoring patents were invalid. This ruling effectively nullified the ITC's previous finding of infringement and dismissed the case against Apple, thereby preventing the potential import ban on Apple Watches. ​ 

Reactions from Apple and AliveCor

Apple expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, emphasizing its commitment to developing health-focused features that positively impact users' lives. A company spokesperson stated, "Apple's teams have worked tirelessly over many years to develop industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features that meaningfully impact users' lives." 

Conversely, AliveCor expressed deep disappointment with the ruling. A spokesperson for the company remarked, "We are deeply disappointed by the Court's decisions this morning... We will continue to explore all available legal options, including potential appeals, to defend our position that our patents are valid and that Apple infringed our intellectual " ​ 

Implications for the Wearable Technology Industry

This legal battle underscores the complexities of patent disputes in the rapidly evolving wearable technology sector. While Apple has successfully defended its position in this instance, it faces other challenges, such as a separate import ban related to blood-oxygen monitoring technology in a patent dispute with Masimo. These ongoing disputes highlight the competitive and litigious nature of the industry, where companies continually strive to innovate while protecting their intellectual property rights. ​

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