Apple has dodged a second potential ban on its Apple Watch in the US, as AliveCor's appeal to uphold its EKG-related patents was rejected by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The decision means that the Apple Watch's EKG feature will not face an import ban from the International Trade Commission (ITC), unlike its blood oxygen sensor, which is already affected by a separate patent dispute.

The long-running patent battle between AliveCor and Apple began in 2021, when AliveCor accused Apple of infringing on its EKG patents. The ITC initially ruled in AliveCor's favor, recommending an import ban on Apple Watches with the EKG feature. However, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) later deemed the three patents in question invalid, which would have prevented the import ban from taking effect.

AliveCor's appeal of the PTAB decision was rejected, paving the way for the Federal Circuit's ruling. Sanjay Voleti, AliveCor's chief business officer, expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that the company would continue to explore legal options to defend its intellectual property rights. Apple, on the other hand, welcomed the ruling, with spokesperson Fred Sainz praising the company's teams for developing "industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features" that have a meaningful impact on users' lives.

The outcome of this patent dispute is significant, as it highlights the complexities of intellectual property law in the tech industry. AliveCor's strategy was similar to that of Masimo, another medical device maker that successfully obtained an ITC import ban against the Apple Watch over its blood oxygen sensor. Apple has since disabled the blood oxygen sensor in Apple Watches sold in the US to comply with the ban.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond the Apple Watch, as it sets a precedent for future patent disputes in the wearables and health tech sectors. With the rise of wearable devices and health-related features, companies must navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property law to avoid costly disputes and protect their innovations.

In the broader context, this story underscores the ongoing challenges faced by tech companies in protecting their intellectual property rights. As the industry continues to evolve, companies must remain vigilant in defending their innovations and navigating the complexities of patent law.