Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Tech Cleared in Patent Dispute

A U.S. trade tribunal has issued a preliminary ruling stating that Apple's current Apple Watches do not infringe on patents held by Masimo. This decision represents a setback for Masimo's attempt to reinstate an import ban on Apple's smartwatches.

Apple had modified its watches to address a previous import ban. An ITC judge determined that these redesigned watches do not violate Masimo's patent rights concerning blood-oxygen reading technology. The full commission will now review this decision to determine its final stance.

This ruling is part of a larger, complex patent conflict between the two companies. Masimo, based in Irvine, California, has accused Apple of hiring its employees to acquire its pulse-oximetry innovations. The ITC had previously blocked imports of Apple's Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in December 2023.

Apple stated it was pleased with the ITC's decision, while acknowledging the Federal Circuit's separate ruling affirming the previous infringement finding. The company highlighted that Masimo's claims have largely been rejected. Masimo has also separately sued Apple in federal court for patent infringement and trade-secret theft, seeking substantial damages.

Danaher agreed in February to acquire Masimo for $9.9 billion. Apple has stated it would appeal the verdict from the California federal court trial.