Apple vs. Masimo Lawsuit: $250 Million at Stake, Yet Apple Watch Retains Its Features!
Apple won a patent lawsuit against Masimo, securing a $250 victory. However, this outcome will not impact the blood oxygen measurement feature, which is not available on the Apple Watch.
Masimo Casts a Shadow Over 2023 Apple Watch Sales
The year 2023 has been turbulent for Apple, especially during the lucrative holiday season, disrupted by Masimo, a medical device manufacturer. Masimo managed to halt U.S. sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 following an International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling that these devices infringed on its pulse oximetry patent.
Apple Strikes Back
In response, Apple quickly removed the blood oxygen measurement feature from its flagship smartwatches, a function still absent on new devices. However, the tech giant managed to score a minor victory over Masimo as a federal jury in Delaware found Masimo guilty of infringing two of Apple’s patents in one of its smartwatches, according to Bloomberg Law.
A Double-Edged Verdict
This victory for Apple comes with limited financial impact. The damages awarded were only $250, the minimum possible, reflecting Apple’s stance. As Apple’s lawyer, John Desmarais, stated at the trial’s conclusion: “We’re not here for the money… but to stop copying of our design.”
The Battle Continues
The future remains uncertain despite the trial’s outcome. While Apple and Masimo each claim victory, the trial has no direct effect on the pulse oximetry function in Apple Watches, still absent in the recently released Apple Watch Series 10. In February, Apple CEO Tim Cook indicated that the company would appeal the ITC decision rather than seek a licensing agreement with Masimo, stating: “We are focusing on the appeal. There are plenty of reasons to buy the watch even without the blood oxygen sensor.”
As the legal battle persists, the functionality remains disabled on new Apple Watches, including the Series 10. Despite concerns, sleep apnea detection has been introduced in the new device, using its accelerometer instead of the blood oxygen sensor for monitoring.