Apple and Masimo's Legal Battle Takes Small Step Forward
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Last updated 9 hours ago
A Delaware jury finds maker smartwatch Masimo was found guilty of infringing Apple Watch medical technology patents, but limited it to older smartwatch models that are no longer on sale and awarded the firm the lowest possible damages it could recover under the law.
In a just-decided lawsuit, Apple accused Masimo of infringing two of its own design patents in 2022 to “make room for its own watch.” Now, a jury has found Masimo guilty of the charge over the former Masimo Freedom and W1 smartwatches, but said the company is not guilty of infringing any current products.
It awarded Apple a token $250 in damages, the minimum amount required by law. Apple’s lawyers had sought an injunction preventing Masimo from selling current products they said infringed Apple’s patents, but that charge was rejected by a jury, Reuters reports.
Apple said in a statement that it was pleased that the ruling “will protect the innovation we advance on behalf of our customers.” Masimo said that “Apple primarily sought an injunction against Masimo's current products, and the jury's verdict is a victory for Masimo on that issue.”
Calling Apple's lawsuit a countersuit, Masimo said the jury found for it on “almost” all of the issues at issue and that the patent infringement finding only related to the “discontinued module and charger.”
Why Current Apple Watch Models Lack Blood Oxygen Readings
Two Companies Caught in Fight Over Health Smartwatch Technology Masimo previously accused Apple of hiring its employees and copying aspects of its pulse oximetry technology after failed collaboration talks.
Masimo won a significant victory in its lawsuits in 2023 when the U.S. International Trade Commission temporarily blocked imports of Apple's Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches. Apple is appealing that verdict, but complied with the ITC's ruling by disabling the feature in the U.S.
It was then able to resume sales of the Apple Watch. Current Apple Watch models still include blood oxygen technology, but it remains disabled in the U.S. until the dispute is resolved.
Users of older Apple Watch models, up to the Apple Watch Series 8, can still use the controversial blood oxygen feature.
Apple may appeal this latest ruling, which could make the dispute take longer to resolve. Masimo has now scored decisive victories against Apple at both the ITC and in jury trial, which may be enough to force Apple executives to rethink their current legal strategy.
Separately, Masimo's CEO stepped down in September 2024. However, Joe Kiani's actions were not related to the Apple Watch dispute.
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