Masimo Takes Legal Battle to New Heights: Sues US Customs Over Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Dispute
The ongoing patent war between medical technology company Masimo and tech giant Apple has escalated dramatically, with Masimo now targeting US Customs and Border Protection in a bold new lawsuit. The California-based medical device maker is challenging the agency's approval of what it claims is Apple's attempt to circumvent a ban on importing Apple Watches with blood oxygen monitoring capabilities.
The Patent Battle That Won't End
This latest legal maneuver represents a significant escalation in a dispute that has been brewing since 2020. Masimo, which specializes in non-invasive patient monitoring technologies, has accused Apple of stealing its pulse oximetry trade secrets and infringing on multiple patents related to blood oxygen measurement technology.
The International Trade Commission (ITC) initially sided with Masimo in October 2023, issuing an import ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models equipped with blood oxygen sensors. However, Apple managed to resume sales by allegedly making software modifications to disable the contested blood oxygen feature, a move that Masimo now argues doesn't go far enough.
Masimo's Challenge to Customs Approval
In its lawsuit filed against US Customs and Border Protection, Masimo contends that the agency improperly allowed Apple to continue importing watches that still contain the hardware capable of blood oxygen monitoring. The company argues that merely disabling the software feature through updates doesn't eliminate the patent infringement, as the underlying sensor technology remains intact.
"Apple's redesign is nothing more than a software update that can be easily reversed," Masimo's legal team argues in court documents. The company claims that US Customs failed to properly evaluate whether Apple's modifications truly addressed the patent violations identified by the ITC.
Apple's Defensive Strategy
Apple has consistently denied Masimo's allegations, maintaining that it developed its blood oxygen technology independently. The company's legal strategy has focused on challenging the validity of Masimo's patents while simultaneously working to design around them.
The tech giant's decision to disable the blood oxygen feature was seen as a temporary measure to maintain sales during the crucial holiday shopping season. Industry analysts estimated that the import ban could have cost Apple hundreds of millions in lost revenue during the fourth quarter of 2023.
The Broader Implications for Tech Innovation
This case highlights the complex intersection of patent law, international trade, and rapidly evolving consumer technology. The dispute raises important questions about how patent protections should apply to features that combine hardware and software components.
Legal experts note that Masimo's lawsuit against US Customs represents an unusual strategy, as challenges to federal agency decisions in patent disputes are relatively rare. The outcome could establish important precedents for how import bans are enforced when companies make design modifications to avoid infringement.
Market Impact and Industry Response
The ongoing legal battle has had tangible effects on both companies' market positions. Apple's stock price experienced volatility during the initial import ban announcement, while Masimo's shares have seen increased investor interest as the company positions itself as a defender of intellectual property rights in the medical technology sector.
Medical device industry associations have been watching the case closely, as it could influence how traditional healthcare companies protect their innovations from adoption by major tech corporations entering the health monitoring space.
Financial Stakes Continue to Rise
With both companies investing heavily in legal fees and the potential for significant damage awards, the financial stakes continue to escalate. Industry analysts estimate that the dispute has already cost both companies tens of millions in legal expenses, with potentially hundreds of millions more at stake depending on the final resolution.
Masimo has indicated it's seeking not only to maintain the import ban but also to secure substantial monetary damages for what it characterizes as years of patent infringement by Apple.
Looking Ahead: No Easy Resolution in Sight
As this legal saga enters its fourth year, neither side shows signs of backing down. Masimo's decision to sue US Customs demonstrates the company's commitment to pursuing every available legal avenue, while Apple continues to develop alternative technologies and challenge the validity of Masimo's patent claims.
The case serves as a stark reminder of how patent disputes can reshape entire product categories and influence global trade decisions. For consumers, the ultimate resolution will determine whether future Apple Watches will include blood oxygen monitoring capabilities and how innovation in wearable health technology will evolve under the shadow of intellectual property litigation.
