Apple has decided to pause some of its sales of Apple Watch devices just weeks before Christmas due to a patent dispute. Reports emerged earlier this week that the tech giant had been sued by Mobile Telecommunications Technologies (MTT) over alleged patent infringement related to voice calling technology in its Apple Watch. In response, Apple has decided to pause sales for certain models of its watch in some countries, while negotiations continue between the two companies.
According to a statement by MTT, the patent infringement suit was filed in the US District Court in the Eastern District of Texas. The suit relates to patent infringement of four patents related to “Bluetooth pairing and connectivity technology for modern wearable devices”.
MTT is seeking damages for the alleged patent infringement and an injunction against the further sale of Apple Watch devices. Commenting on the decision, MTT’s Chief Executive Officer, Chris Orr said, “We are confident that the patents we own are vital to the modern wearable device industry. We are determined to protect our intellectual property and to ensure that we receive appropriate compensation for its use in Apple’s devices.”
Although the exact models that are affected have not been unveiled, Apple has confirmed that it has paused sales of certain wearable devices in countries where the ban has been imposed. It is believed that these countries include Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the US.
