A consortium of technology industry groups has come forward to reject accusations of servility towards Apple, as they lend their support to the tech giant over its Federal Circuit appeal against the U.S. International Trade Commission’s import prohibition of Apple Watch models sporting blood oxygen monitoring features.
The controversial ban had been implemented after it was deemed that these Apple Watch models potentially infringed on certain patents, which has led to a protracted legal tussle.
In a statement, the consortium, that includes some of the major players in the tech industry, was quoted as saying that their support for Apple in this case was in no way indicative of them being “Apple’s puppets“. They also emphasised their outlook for a competitive playing field, wherein innovation and technological advances can flourish without the hindrance of overbearing legal obstructions.
The outcome of this case has the potential to set a precedent for future patent cases, especially for those related to wearable technology and health monitoring functionalities. It remains to be watched whether the courtroom will become the next battlefield in this global tech war.