Fitbit and Garmin are under federal investigation for alleged patent violations
Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
On Friday, federal regulators announced that they are launching an investigation into wearable monitoring devices, including Fitbit and Garmin, after rival company, Philips, accused the companies of patent violations, as first reported by Reuters.
In a statement, the US International Trade Commission (USITC) confirmed that its investigation into two of the most popular wearable companies was prompted by a complaint filed by the Philips company last month. The USITC said other wearable companies, including two based in China, were also under investigation.
“The USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case,” the statement reads. “The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable...