Apple Watch and Other Smartwatches Face ITC Investigation Over Fall Detection Patent Infringement
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has initiated an investigation into alleged patent infringements concerning fall detection features in wearable devices, including the Apple Watch. This action follows a complaint filed by UnaliWear, Inc., a Texas-based company specializing in medical alert wearables.
Background of the Investigation
UnaliWear, known for its Kanega Watch—a dedicated fall detection device—filed the complaint on December 12, 2025. The company claims that several major tech firms, including Apple, Samsung, Google, and Garmin, have incorporated fall detection technologies into their smartwatches that infringe upon UnaliWear’s patents. The patents in question are U.S. Patent No. 10,051,410 and U.S. Patent No. 10,687,193, which pertain to methods of detecting falls and distinguishing them from other movements to reduce false positives.
Scope of the Complaint
The complaint targets electronic watches with the capability to detect when a user has suffered a fall, and components thereof. This broad categorization encompasses a range of smartwatches equipped with fall detection features. UnaliWear alleges that these devices violate specific claims of their patents, leading to the current investigation by the ITC.
Potential Implications
UnaliWear is seeking two primary remedies from the ITC:
1. Limited Exclusion Order: This would prohibit the importation of the accused devices into the United States.
2. Cease and Desist Orders: These orders would prevent the sale of infringing devices already present within the U.S. market.
If the ITC rules in favor of UnaliWear, the implicated companies could face significant disruptions in their smartwatch sales and distribution within the United States.
Historical Context
This investigation is not the first instance where the Apple Watch has been scrutinized for potential patent infringements related to health features. In previous years, Apple faced legal challenges from companies like AliveCor and Masimo.
– AliveCor Dispute: AliveCor accused Apple of infringing on patents related to heart rate monitoring and ECG technology. The ITC initially ruled in favor of AliveCor, recommending a limited exclusion order against certain Apple Watch models. However, subsequent appeals and reviews led to the invalidation of the patents in question, allowing Apple to continue its smartwatch sales without interruption.
– Masimo Dispute: Masimo alleged that Apple’s blood oxygen monitoring feature infringed on its patents. This led to an import ban on specific Apple Watch models in the U.S. Apple responded by redesigning the feature to comply with patent regulations, and the dispute remains ongoing.
UnaliWear’s Position
UnaliWear’s Kanega Watch, introduced in 2015, focuses on fall detection and offers features like GPS tracking and a hot-swappable battery. The company emphasizes its dedication to providing reliable fall detection solutions, distinguishing its product from general-purpose smartwatches. By filing this complaint, UnaliWear aims to protect its intellectual property and maintain its position in the market.
Next Steps
The ITC has set a 20-day period for the accused companies to respond to the allegations. Failure to respond may result in a default judgment, potentially leading to exclusion orders or cease and desist directives. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the smartwatch industry, particularly concerning the integration of health monitoring features and the importance of respecting existing patents.
Conclusion
As the ITC proceeds with its investigation into UnaliWear’s claims, the tech industry awaits the potential ramifications for major smartwatch manufacturers. This case underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities associated with integrating advanced health features into consumer electronics while navigating the intricate landscape of intellectual property rights.
