In a significant legal ruling, a federal jury in California determined that Apple Inc. is liable for infringing on a patent held by Masimo Corporation, a company specializing in medical devices. The jury's verdict mandates that Apple pay $634 million to Masimo, primarily for violations linked to the blood oxygen monitoring technology utilized in the Apple Watch. This case highlights ongoing tensions in the tech industry regarding intellectual property rights, particularly as companies increasingly integrate health monitoring technologies into consumer devices.
Details of the Ruling
The jury's decision was announced on November 15, 2025, and it specifically identified that features within the Apple Watch, such as its workout mode and heart rate notifications, infringed upon Masimo's patented technology. Masimo expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing the importance of protecting its innovations and intellectual property, which it views as essential for its mission to develop technologies that enhance patient care. The company reaffirmed its commitment to defending its intellectual property rights in future disputes.
Apple's Response and Legal Strategy
In response to the ruling, an Apple spokesperson criticized the verdict, claiming it contradicts the factual basis of the case. Apple has stated its intention to appeal the jury's decision. The spokesperson also pointed out that Masimo has engaged in multiple lawsuits against Apple over the past six years, asserting over 25 patents, most of which have been deemed invalid in previous court rulings. Notably, the specific patent in question expired in 2022 and pertains to older patient monitoring technologies.
The Context of the Dispute
The legal battle between Masimo and Apple centers around pulse oximetry technology, which is used to measure blood oxygen levels through optical sensors. Masimo has alleged that Apple not only infringed on its patents but also poached key employees, including its chief medical officer. This dispute escalated in 2023 when the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled in favor of Masimo, resulting in a ban on Apple importing Apple Watches equipped with blood oxygen monitoring features. Consequently, Apple Watches have not included this functionality in recent years.
Recent Developments
In August 2025, Apple announced a new version of its blood oxygen monitoring feature designed to comply with the import ban. This updated feature calculates blood oxygen readings via the user’s paired iPhone rather than directly from the Apple Watch. Masimo has since taken legal action against U.S. Customs and Border Protection for permitting the importation of Apple Watches with this new implementation. Additionally, Apple has sought to overturn the import ban through an appeals court. In a related legal maneuver, Apple countersued Masimo and was awarded a nominal payment of $250 after a jury found Masimo had violated Apple’s design patents.
Conclusion
The jury's ruling in favor of Masimo underscores the complexities of patent law in the tech industry, particularly as companies like Apple venture into health-related technologies. The outcome of the appeal process may have broader implications for how tech companies navigate intellectual property rights and develop new health monitoring features. As the landscape of health technology continues to evolve, the resolution of this dispute could set important precedents for future innovations and legal battles in this domain.