Comments Due Dec. 26 on Philips Allegations Against Fitbit, Garmin Trackers

Comments are due Dec. 26 on the import ban Philips seeks at the International Trade Commission on Garmin and Fitbit wearable monitoring devices that allegedly infringe its patents (see 1912120031), said a notice in Tuesday’s Federal Register. Manufactured by Ingram Micro, Maintek Computer and Inventec Appliances in China, the Garmin and Fitbit activity trackers copy the patented designs of Philips’ GoSafe and HomeSafe motion biosensor and sleep diagnostics products, Philips said. It seeks a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders against Garmin, Fitbit and the three Chinese manufacturers. "Fitbit plans to defend itself vigorously against all allegations made in the complaint," a spokesperson told us Wednesday. A Garmin spokesperson said the company doesn't comment on pending or ongoing litigation.