The ongoing dispute between Apple and medical device company Masimo has taken a new turn with Apple counter-suing Masimo for patent infringement. The specific issue at hand is Masimo’s alleged infringement of Apple’s design patent for the W1 smartwatch (pictured below) and Masimo’s Freedom device infringing on Apple’s design patents.
A federal jury ruled in favor of Apple, finding Masimo guilty of infringing on Apple’s design patents. Apple was awarded $250 in damages, the minimum amount for patent infringement cases. Apple’s attorneys stated that the company is not seeking money, but rather wants these products to cease sales.
However, Masimo issued a statement claiming victory in this ruling, as it does not apply to their newer smartwatch models, while Apple argues that the ruling is to protect Apple’s innovations for customers.
Nevertheless, the crux of the matter lies in the patent infringement case between the two companies, as Masimo has accused Apple of infringing on their blood oxygen level measuring patents with the Apple Watch. This has led to Apple having to remove this feature in the 2023 model of the Apple Watch sold in the United States, and it continues to impact the current 2024 models as well.
TLDR: The legal battle between Apple and Masimo escalates with Apple counter-suing Masimo for patent infringement, resulting in a federal jury ruling in favor of Apple. Masimo is accused of infringing on Apple’s design patents and Apple must modify and sell their Apple Watch model without certain features due to the dispute.
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