Apple, Google Smartwatches Targeted in Trade Agency IP Probe

The US International Trade Commission is launching an investigation into Apple Inc., Google LLC, and other smartwatches that incorporate fall-detection technology, prompted by a patent-infringement complaint.

Complainant UnaliWear Inc. is asserting two patents and seeking an import ban on certain Apple, Google, Samsung Electronics Co., and Garmin Ltd. smartwatch models, the ITC said in a Thursday notice.

Apple is currently embroiled in another dispute at the ITC in a case over blood-oxygen sensors that temporarily led to an import ban.

A federal judge last month rejected patent owner Masimo Corp.'s request to block Apple Watch imports ...