Patent Spat Between AliveCor & Apple Becomes Intense

The ongoing patent dispute between AliveCor and Apple has taken a new turn this week.  An administrative judge from the International Trade Commission has ruled that Apple has infringed on AliveCor’s electrocardiogram technology.

With the most recent ruling, the stakes are a bit higher because now the full ITC will preside over the issue. The ITC has scheduled its final determination for October 26. 

If affirmed in full, it may include a limited exclusion order that prohibits importing infringing Apple Watches to the US.

"Today's ruling is a strong validation of our IP and underscores that patents matter and even an influential company like Apple cannot simply violate them to stifle innovation," said Priya Abani, CEO of AliveCor.

The spat between the two began in December of 2020, when AliveCor filed a federal lawsuit regarding the patent infringement. In April of 2021 the company said it wanted to block the importation of all the Apple Watches in the U.S. and filed a patent infringement complaint with the International Trade Commission.

AliveCor has developed the KardiaMobile device that can provide instant detection of Atrial Fibrillation, Bradycardia, Tachycardia, Sinus Rhythm with Supraventricular Ectopy, Sinus Rhythm with Premature Ventricular Contractions, Sinus Rhythm with Wide QRS and Normal Heart Rhythm. The technology is FDA-cleared.

Apple won FDA clearance for its ECG app in September of 2018.