A federal jury in California has ruled that Apple must pay medical device company Masimo six hundred thirty-four million dollars for infringing one of its patents related to blood oxygen monitoring technology.
The decision followed claims that the Apple Watch used features that relied on Masimo’s protected pulse oximetry innovations. According to Reuters, the jury concluded that the workout mode and heart rate alerts on the Apple Watch violated Masimo’s patent.
Masimo welcomed the verdict, calling it an important step in protecting its technology and continued work in patient care. The company said it remains committed to defending its intellectual property as the legal battle continues. Apple, however, disagreed with the ruling and said it plans to appeal. The company noted that the patent in question expired in 2022 and described it as an older form of patient monitoring technology.
The long-running dispute centers on pulse oximetry, a method that uses light sensors to measure blood flow and oxygen levels. Masimo has accused Apple of poaching key employees, including its former chief medical officer, and using its patented ideas in newer Apple Watch models. In 2023, the United States International Trade Commission sided with Masimo and blocked the import of Apple Watches that included blood oxygen monitoring, which is why newer models have lacked that feature.
Apple later introduced a redesigned version of the feature that performs blood oxygen calculations on the user’s iPhone instead of the watch. Masimo is now challenging the approval of these devices by filing a case against the United States Customs and Border Patrol, while Apple is pushing an appeals court to overturn the import restrictions.
Apple also brought its own claims against Masimo and won a small award of two hundred fifty dollars after a jury found that Masimo violated certain Apple design patents.
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