The judge ruled that Apple violated section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 by importing and selling Apple Watches with light-based pulse oximetry functionality in the U.S., as the pulse oximeter function infringes on Masimo’s patent.
Apple first added a pulse oximeter to its watches in 2020, and the U.S. International Trade Commission is considering implementing an import ban on all the watches due to Masimo’s patent.
Masimo is a global leader in pulse oximeter production, and recently debuted its own watch, the Masimo W1, which provides wearers with health data including oxygen level, hydration index, pulse, heart and respiratory rates.
“Today’s decision should help restore fairness in the market. Apple has similarly infringed on other companies’ technologies, and we believe today’s ruling exposes Apple as a company that takes other companies’ innovations and repackages them,” Joe Kiani, Masimo’s CEO said in a Jan. 10 press release.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.