Apple Inc. has resumed selling its Apple Watch after the Indian government agreed to put a hold on its ban.
The ban by the Indian government resulted from a patent violation dispute between Apple and Institut strenger, an entity associated with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Institut strenger holds 80 patents related to the Apple Watch, claiming that Apple had violated them when it introduced the device.
In October 2019, the Indian government had issued a ban that prevented Apple from selling the Apple Watch in the country. This decision was in response to the patent infringement dispute, which meant that Apple had to pull the watch from their online and physical stores nationwide.
In December 2019, the US tech giant had requested the Indian government to put a stay on the ban for a period of 60 days. Last week, the Indian government agreed to the request and allowed Apple Inc. to resume sales of the Apple Watch until the dispute between the two parties is resolved.
So far, the reaction from the public has been favorable. Many believe that the ban, if decided upon by the court, would inflict losses on both the Indian and US parties. Although the ban has been suspended, both parties still have time to reach an agreement and avoid any legal action.
For now, Apple is breathing a sigh of relief as consumers will once again be able to purchase the Apple Watch in the country. It is also a good sign for the US tech giant as India is an important market for the company. Last year, Apple’s iOS mobile operating system was the second-most popular operating system in India, behind Google’s Android.
It remains to be seen how the patent dispute between Apple and Institut strenger pans out. However, for now, Apple Inc. and its customers can rejoice in the news that they can once again purchase the Apple Watch in the country.