Tech Giants Clash Over Smartwatch Tech

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is investigating whether Apple's latest Apple Watches should be banned from import due to a patent dispute with Masimo, a company specializing in medical monitoring technology.

Key Points

• The ITC is examining if Apple's redesigned watches still infringe on Masimo's patented blood-oxygen measurement technology.
• The investigation is expected to conclude in about six months.

Background

• This is not the first clash between Apple and Masimo.
• Masimo alleges that Apple poached employees to acquire their pulse-oximetry innovations.
• In 2023, the ITC blocked imports of Apple's Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches for infringing on Masimo's patents.
• Apple removed the blood-oxygen feature to avoid the ban but reintroduced it in August with a new design, approved by U.S. Customs.

Ongoing Legal Battles

• Masimo is suing U.S. Customs over the approval of Apple's new design.
• Apple is challenging the ITC's ban in a federal appeals court.
• Masimo has also sued Apple in California court, alleging patent infringement and trade-secret theft.
• A jury is currently deciding if Apple should pay up to $749 million in damages.

Previous Legal Outcomes

• In 2023, a California judge declared a mistrial in Masimo's trade-secret case against Apple.
• Apple won a small victory in Delaware last year, with a jury awarding them $250 in a countersuit over Masimo's smartwatches.

Conclusion

This ongoing legal battle highlights the intense competition and legal complexities in the tech industry. It serves as a reminder of how patent disputes can shape the market and impact consumers.