ITC Opens Probe Into Smartwatch Fall-Detection Patents, Naming Apple, Samsung, Google and Garmin

Overview

• The investigation was instituted on January 20 after Austin-based UnaliWear’s December 12 complaint under Section 337.
• UnaliWear cites U.S. Patent Nos. 10,051,410 and 10,687,193, alleging the accused fall‑detection systems infringe claims related to filtering false positives.
• The company seeks a limited exclusion order to stop imports and cease‑and‑desist orders to halt U.S. sales of infringing devices.
• Apple, Samsung, Google and Garmin have 20 days to respond to the ITC or risk default; reporters note no public comments so far.
• Recent ITC health‑feature disputes, including Masimo’s case against Apple, illustrate possible outcomes such as import bans, feature removals or licensing deals.