In a recent federal jury ruling in California, tech giant Apple has been ordered to pay medical device manufacturer Masimo $634 million for infringing on a patent related to blood oxygen monitoring technology. The dispute centered on Apple Watch features, specifically the workout mode and heart rate notifications, which were deemed to infringe on Masimo’s patent, as reported by Reuters.
Masimo stated that protecting their intellectual property is crucial for developing technologies that benefit patients. The company expressed satisfaction with the verdict, saying, “This is a significant win in our ongoing efforts to protect our innovations and intellectual property.” Apple, however, plans to challenge the decision, arguing that the patent in question expired in 2022 and pertained to outdated patient monitoring technology.
The legal battle between Masimo and Apple revolves around pulse oximetry, a technology that uses optical sensors to monitor blood flow. Masimo has accused Apple of not only infringing its patents but also poaching its employees, including the chief medical officer. The U.S. International Trade Commission previously ruled in favor of Masimo in 2023, resulting in a ban on Apple importing watches with blood oxygen monitoring capabilities.
As the two companies continue to clash over intellectual property rights, the outcome of this case could have broader implications for the tech industry’s approach to innovation and patent protection.
Source: TechCrunch