Jury says Apple owes Masimo $634M for patent infringement

In a significant legal ruling, a federal jury in California determined that Apple must pay $634 million to Masimo, a medical device manufacturer, for infringing on a patent related to blood oxygen monitoring technology. The jury concluded that features within the Apple Watch, specifically its workout mode and heart rate notifications, violated Masimo's patent rights. Masimo expressed their satisfaction with the verdict, stating, "This is a significant win in our ongoing efforts to protect our innovations and intellectual property, which is crucial to our ability to develop technology that benefits patients." The company reiterated its commitment to defending its intellectual property in the future. In contrast, Apple has announced plans to appeal the jury's decision. A spokesperson highlighted that the patent in question expired in 2022 and pertains to older patient monitoring technology. TechCrunch has sought further comments from Apple regarding the situation. The legal battle centers around pulse oximetry technology, which relies on optical sensors to measure blood flow. Masimo has accused Apple of not only infringing upon its patents but also of poaching key employees, including its chief medical officer. Earlier this year, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled in favor of Masimo, imposing a ban on the import of Apple Watches equipped with blood oxygen monitoring capabilities. As a result, recent Apple Watch models have not featured this technology. However, in August, Apple announced a workaround that allows blood oxygen levels to be calculated using a paired iPhone, circumventing the import ban. Complicating matters, Masimo has filed a lawsuit against U.S. Customs and Border Patrol for permitting the import of these new Apple Watches, while Apple is appealing the import restrictions. Additionally, Apple countersued Masimo and was awarded a nominal sum of $250 after a jury found Masimo had violated Apple's design patents.