Apple Watch Import Ban Frozen

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has paused a ban on the import of certain Apple Watch models into the U.S., according to a document filed by the ITC.

AliveCor had accused Apple of copying its technology for taking an electrocardiogram (ECG) reading from a person’s wrist. The company had initially sought to block sales of the Apple Watch entirely, but later narrowed its request to certain models.

The ITC’s decision to pause the ban comes after Apple filed an appeal against the decision. The tech giant argued that the ban would harm its business and consumers, as it would prevent the sale of Apple Watches in the U.S.

“The public interest strongly favors a stay. The Commission’s exclusion order will cause immediate, severe, and irreparable harm to Apple, to millions of American consumers, and to the public health and welfare,” Apple argued in its appeal.

AliveCor, however, disagreed with Apple’s argument. The company said that Apple had plenty of time to design around the patent, and that the ban would not significantly impact Apple’s overall business.

“Apple has had years to design around AliveCor’s patents but chose not to do so. Instead, Apple chose to infringe AliveCor’s patents and then fight in court,” AliveCor said in a statement.

The ITC’s decision to pause the ban is temporary, and a final decision on the matter is expected in the coming months.