Highlights
- Apple ordered to pay $634 million in patent damages
- Masimo accuses Apple of stealing pulse oximetry tech
- Import bans hit Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2
- Apple removed blood oxygen feature to comply with rules
- Legal battle continues in federal court
Apple is once again facing a tough legal fight with medical technology company Masimo. At the center of the dispute is a patent related to blood oxygen monitoring technology used in the Apple Watch. What started as a single claim has now grown into a complex battle affecting multiple features of Apple’s wearable devices.
The Long‑Running Dispute
The conflict began back in 2019 when Masimo accused Apple of stealing pulse oximetry technology after hiring some of its employees. Over twenty patent claims were filed, but most were eventually dismissed. Still, one patent — covering how blood oxygen levels are measured — remained active and has now become Apple’s biggest headache.
Recently, a federal jury in California ordered Apple to pay $634 million in damages, ruling that the company infringed Masimo’s patent. The jury also agreed that Apple’s workout mode and heart rate notifications relied on similar signal‑processing methods, further strengthening Masimo’s case.
Apple strongly disagreed with the verdict, arguing that the patent expired in 2022 and that the technology has long been used in patient monitoring. Nevertheless, the ruling stands until Apple’s appeal is heard.
Import Bans and Product Changes
This dispute has already caused major disruptions for Apple. In 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) blocked imports of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 due to the contested patent. To comply, Apple removed the blood oxygen feature from its devices and later introduced a modified version that received approval from U.S. Customs.
But the issue resurfaced this week. The ITC reopened its investigation to decide whether Apple’s updated technology should still be banned. Meanwhile, Masimo filed a lawsuit against Customs for allowing Apple’s new models to enter the market. Apple, in turn, continues to challenge the import ban in federal court.
Bigger Picture
What makes this case unusual is how one patent has snowballed into multiple legal battles, import bans, and product redesigns. It highlights the growing importance of intellectual property in the tech industry. For companies like Apple, patents are not just legal documents — they can directly shape product features, market access, and consumer trust.
Sujit Ram’s Expert Take
“As someone who closely follows technology and automobile industries, I see this case as a reminder of how patents can be both a shield and a weapon. Apple’s innovation is undeniable, but disputes like this show that even the biggest companies must respect intellectual property. For publishers and businesses, the lesson is clear: protecting your ideas is just as important as creating them.”
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