Masimo Sues U.S. Customs to Halt Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Feature

Masimo has initiated legal action against the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in an effort to prevent the restoration of the pulse oximetry feature on the Apple Watch. The company learned about this development at the same time as the general public, following an announcement from Apple that indicated the imminent return of the blood oxygen detection capability in the United States.

This latest chapter in the ongoing legal battle between Masimo and Apple traces back to 2020. The conflict has seen numerous appeals and legal maneuvers, with Masimo claiming that Apple infringed on its patents related to blood oxygen sensing technology. Initially, it appeared that Apple would have to wait until 2028, when a critical patent held by Masimo would expire, before it could reactivate the feature.

Background of the Legal Dispute

On August 14, 2023, Apple announced that it would soon restore the blood oxygen detection feature, which had been prohibited due to a ruling from the U.S. International Trade Commission. This ruling stemmed from Masimo’s allegations of patent infringement. The announcement caught Masimo off guard, as it was the first notification the company received regarding any potential deal to reinstate the feature.

In response to Apple’s announcement, Masimo filed a federal lawsuit on August 20, 2023, in which it seeks to halt the restoration of the pulse oximetry function. According to a report from Bloomberg Law, Masimo argues that the reinstatement of this feature would further infringe upon its patented technology.

Implications of the Lawsuit

The outcome of this legal dispute could have significant implications for both companies. If Masimo succeeds in its lawsuit, it could prevent Apple from offering the blood oxygen monitoring feature, which has been a selling point for the Apple Watch. Conversely, a ruling in favor of Apple may embolden the tech giant to continue integrating advanced health monitoring technologies into its devices.

As this case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions in the technology sector regarding intellectual property rights and innovation. Both companies are expected to vigorously defend their positions as they navigate this complex legal landscape.

Consumers and industry observers will be closely watching how this lawsuit develops, as it could reshape the competitive landscape in health technology and wearable devices.