In a major development, Joe Biden administration opted not to intervene in the US International Trade Commission’s decision to prohibit the import of certain Apple Watches.

The decision, effective December 26, follows a complaint from medical tech firm Masimo, citing patent infringement related to blood-oxygen level monitoring.

The ban applies to Apple Watches incorporating the contested technology, notably featured in the Series 6 model launched in 2020.

Apple retains the option to challenge this ruling by appealing to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. This decision adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing legal landscape in the tech industry.

(With Reuters inputs)