ITC Probes Apple's Light-Based Health Devices for Patent Violations
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission is stepping up to check if certain light-based health gadgets and their parts, like those Apple makes, are breaking patent rules. This move affects companies importing or selling these devices in the U.S. and could lead to changes in what’s allowed or blocked, possibly impacting sales and timing. The Commission is combining rule changes and enforcement to keep things fair and clear.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Commission Opens Enforcement Review
On November 14, 2025 the U.S. International Trade Commission instituted a combined modification and enforcement proceeding to decide whether importation of certain light-based physiological measurement devices violates existing remedial orders. The proceeding was opened to determine specifically whether the Apple Redesign 2 Watch should be excluded under the Limited Exclusion Order (LEO) tied to certain patent claims.
Existing LEO Targets Specific Patent Claims
The Commission previously issued a Limited Exclusion Order (October 26, 2023) that prohibits importation of devices infringing claims 22 and 28 of U.S. Patent No. 10,912,502 and claims 12, 24, and 30 of U.S. Patent No. 10,945,648. The sole issue in the new proceeding is whether the Apple Redesign 2 Watch infringes those specified claims.
Infringement Includes Induced Infringement
The Commission notes that the term 'infringe' in its Limited Exclusion Orders can include induced infringement (e.g., under 35 U.S.C. 271(b)), not just direct infringement. The record indicates that allegedly infringing functionality that requires a software update to an iPhone is assumed applied for purposes of this investigation.
No Civil Penalties Considered Now
Masimo did not seek civil penalties in its petition, and the Commission will not consider civil penalties in this combined modification and enforcement proceeding. The Commission may consider civil penalties in a later proceeding if such a request is made.
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