The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has taken issue with Apple’s defense of its potentially patent-infringing smartwatches. In a recent development, the ITC accused Apple of overstating “public health and welfare factors”.
The dispute centers on Apple’s watch technology, which AliveCor, a maker of personal EKG hardware and software, alleges infringes on its patents. AliveCor has taken its complaint to the ITC, seeking to bar importation of the Apple smartwatches into the United States.
In its defense, Apple has sought to highlight the potential public health and welfare implications of barring their smartwatch imports. The tech giant argues that its watches, which include health-related features such as the ability to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG), contribute to public health and welfare.
The ITC, however, views Apple’s defense as an over-extension. The trade body takes a skeptical line on Apple’s claims that halting import of their watches would detrimentally impact public health and welfare.
To keep track of the legal developments in this unfolding case involving two tech heavyweights and the interests of public health and international trade, refer to the detailing provided by Law360 here.