In the long-running and complex legal battle between Apple and Massimo, the recent decision by a California jury may be the first step toward a definitive conclusion. As reported reutersA federal jury sided with Masimo, the medical tech company best known for its patient-monitoring devices, when it said Apple infringed the company’s patent for technology that tracks blood-oxygen levels.
The case revolves around whether Apple infringed Masimo’s patent related to a blood-oxygen sensor, which the jury claimed can be seen with the Apple Watch’s workout and heart rate apps. according to reutersApple disagreed with the decision, stating that “the single patent at issue in this case expires in 2022, and is specific to historical patient monitoring technology from decades ago.” The tech giant is reportedly planning to appeal against the decision.
While this California lawsuit may bring some closure, Apple and Massimo remain embroiled in a web of related but separate lawsuits. Massimo first accused Apple of infringing its pulse oximeter patent, causing Apple to temporarily halt sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches. In August, Apple redesigned its blood-oxygen monitoring feature and introduced it to the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2. The redesign was approved by US Customs and Border Protection, but Massimo filed a lawsuit against the agency for violating its authority by allowing the sale of these updated Apple Watches without Massimo’s input.