By: Tech Insights Staff October 26, 2024 In a strategic legal move, Apple emerged victorious in a patent infringement case against Califor...
By: Tech Insights Staff
October 26, 2024
In a strategic legal move, Apple emerged victorious in a patent infringement case against California-based health tech company Masimo, winning a minimal financial award of $250 but gaining momentum in its bid to block Masimo’s smartwatch sales. A federal jury in Delaware found that previous models of Masimo’s W1 and Freedom smartwatches and their chargers had willfully infringed upon two Apple design patents.
The Case Beyond Cash: Apple Aims for Sales Ban
Apple’s primary goal in this case was not financial gain but to prevent Masimo from continuing sales of its smartwatches. "The ultimate purpose of this lawsuit," Apple’s legal team told the court, "was to win an injunction against sales of Masimo's infringing products." While the Delaware jury confirmed infringement on earlier versions of Masimo’s products, it did not find current Masimo models to infringe Apple’s patents. This outcome leaves Masimo’s present offerings untouched by a sales ban, representing a partial victory for the health tech company.
Masimo’s Response: "Victory on Nearly All Issues"
Responding to the jury’s decision, Masimo emphasized that the ruling only affected a "discontinued module and charger" of its smartwatches, noting the jury ruled in its favor regarding all other contested issues. "Apple primarily sought an injunction against Masimo's current products, and the jury's verdict is a victory for Masimo on that issue," the company stated.
A Tense History Between Apple and Masimo
This patent dispute highlights a longer and more complex legal battle between the two tech companies. Masimo previously accused Apple of poaching its employees and appropriating its pulse oximetry technology after an earlier discussion about a potential partnership. Masimo even convinced the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) last year to temporarily block Apple’s Series 9 and Ultra 2 watch imports, arguing that these models infringed on Masimo’s oxygen-sensing technology patents. Apple countered by disabling the disputed technology and resuming sales while appealing the ITC’s ruling.
Apple’s Countersuit: Allegations of Feature Copying
Apple has countered with its own legal moves, claiming that Masimo integrated features developed for the Apple Watch into its own wearable devices. In Apple’s view, these legal actions by Masimo aim to weaken Apple’s position in the wearables market. Apple countersued Masimo in 2022, accusing the company of copying Apple Watch features to strengthen its standing in the rapidly growing health-focused smartwatch market.
Next Steps in the Battle for Market Control
While Apple secured a minor financial win in this case, its ultimate focus remains on restricting Masimo’s market access. The legal skirmishes are far from over, as Apple continues its appeal against the ITC ruling and prepares for further court proceedings. Both tech giants have made it clear they will persist, viewing each verdict as a stepping stone in a broader competition over market share and innovation leadership in the wearable health technology sector.
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