The ongoing legal dispute between Apple and medical technology company Masimo continues, with Apple achieving a partial victory in their recent legal confrontation. A federal jury has concurred with Apple’s claim that earlier versions of Masimo’s W1 and Freedom watches violated Apple’s design patents. Nevertheless, according to Reuters, the damages awarded to Apple were minimal, amounting to only $250, the least possible sum for patent infringement. Apple’s legal representatives argued that financial compensation was not their primary objective.
Apple, which has a market valuation of $3.5 trillion, was seeking a court order to halt sales of Masimo’s current smartwatch models. The jury, however, concluded that these newer models do not infringe on Apple’s intellectual property. Consequently, Masimo perceives the jury’s decision as advantageous, expressing gratitude for the favorable verdict that predominantly sided with Masimo. The ruling pertains solely to a “discontinued module and charger.” Apple responded to Reuters by stating satisfaction with the jury’s decision, which it believes safeguards its innovations for customers.
In 2021, Masimo initiated legal action against Apple, alleging infringement on several of its light-based blood-oxygen monitoring patents. Apple retaliated with a countersuit a year later. In 2023, the court ruled in Masimo’s favor, compelling Apple to halt sales of its latest smartwatch models. The US International Trade Commission subsequently blocked the import of all Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models into the United States. Apple appealed this decision and successfully resumed sales earlier this year by removing the disputed technology from units sold in the US.
