A federal jury in California has ruled that Apple must pay medical technology firm Masimo $634 million for infringing on its patented blood oxygen monitoring technology. The verdict marks a significant escalation in a long-running legal battle between the two companies, centered on the core functionality of Apple Watch’s health features.
The Core of the Dispute: Blood Oxygen Monitoring
The lawsuit revolves around Masimo’s patents related to pulse oximetry – the optical sensor technology used to measure blood oxygen levels. Masimo alleges that Apple deliberately copied its technology for use in the Apple Watch, specifically in the workout mode and heart rate notification features. This isn’t just about money; it’s about the intellectual property that drives innovation in wearable health technology.
How We Got Here: A Timeline of Legal Battles
The dispute began years ago, with Masimo accusing Apple of poaching its employees, including its former chief medical officer, to accelerate its own development of blood oxygen monitoring. The legal pressure intensified when the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) sided with Masimo in 2023, imposing an import ban on Apple Watches with blood oxygen sensors.
To circumvent the ban, Apple introduced a workaround in August 2024: shifting blood oxygen readings to be calculated on paired iPhones instead of the Apple Watch itself. This move triggered another lawsuit from Masimo, which is now challenging U.S. Customs and Border Patrol for approving the import of Apple Watches with this new implementation.
Apple’s Response and Next Steps
Apple plans to appeal the $634 million verdict, arguing that the patent in question expired in 2022 and pertains to outdated technology. The company maintains that its workaround complies with the ITC ruling. However, the legal battle is far from over, with Masimo continuing to pursue its claims in multiple jurisdictions.
Why This Matters: Innovation and Competition
This case highlights the high stakes of intellectual property disputes in the tech industry. Masimo’s victory sends a clear message that companies will aggressively defend their patents, especially in rapidly evolving fields like health technology.
The outcome will likely influence how Apple and other tech giants approach innovation and competition in the future. If Apple’s appeal fails, it could face further financial penalties and restrictions on its wearable devices. Meanwhile, Masimo’s success reinforces the value of its patents and its ability to protect its technology from competitors.
The legal battles between Apple and Masimo will continue to unfold, with significant implications for the future of wearable health technology
