The U.S. International Trade Commission has opened a patent investigation targeting Apple Watch's fall detection feature. The probe stems from a complaint by Texas-based UnaliWear, which alleges infringement of two specific patents. This action mirrors past ITC cases, including a previous Apple Watch import ban over blood oxygen monitoring technology.

UnaliWear's complaint isn't limited to Apple. It names multiple wearable devices capable of fall detection, including those from Samsung, Google, and Garmin. The company seeks a limited exclusion order to ban imports of infringing devices and cease-and-desist orders for sales within the U.S. Respondents have 20 days to answer or risk a default judgment.

This investigation adds to Apple's ongoing patent challenges for health features. A successful case could disrupt sales of major smartwatches, similar to the Masimo dispute that previously halted Apple Watch imports. The outcome will be watched closely by the tech industry as wearable health monitoring becomes a key battleground.