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Masimo Sues US Customs Over Apple Watch import Ruling
Medical technology company Masimo is pursuing legal action against US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in an attempt to reverse the agency's decision to allow Apple to resume selling Apple Watches with blood oxygen tracking capabilities. Masimo claims it became aware of the reversal only after Apple announced a "redesigned" feature calculating blood oxygen levels on iPhones rather of the Watch itself.
The dispute stems from ongoing patent infringement litigation concerning Masimo's blood oxygen sensor technology, wich began in 2020. Following an International Trade Commission (ITC) import ban in December 2023, Apple had disabled the blood oxygen feature on US models of the Apple Watch.
Masimo alleges that CBP did not notify the company of its decision to lift the ITC restrictions, thus depriving Masimo of its right to review or contest the ruling. The company also pointed to Apple's significant investments in the US following unsuccessful appeals to overturn the ITC ban. Masimo argues that the CBP's subsequent decision to allow reactivation of the feature, despite continued patent infringement, is a departure from standard practice regarding enforcement of exclusion orders.
"Each passing day that this unlawful ruling remains in effect irreparably deprives Masimo of its right to be free from unfair trade practices and to preserve its competitive standing in the US marketplace," a statement from Masimo reads.
Masimo is seeking a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to reinstate the original ruling, which would have required Apple to cease importing Watches unless the infringing technology was fully removed.
What specific patents held by Masimo are at the centre of the dispute with Apple regarding the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen measurement feature?
Table of Contents
- 1. What specific patents held by Masimo are at the centre of the dispute with Apple regarding the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen measurement feature?
- 2. Masimo Takes Legal Action Against U.S. Customs Over Apple Watch Import Dispute
- 3. The Ongoing Battle: Apple Watch and Masimo’s Patent Claims
- 4. Understanding the ITC Ruling and Import Ban
- 5. Masimo’s Legal Challenge to Customs
- 6. Impact on Apple and Consumers
- 7. Key Technologies at the Heart of the Dispute: Pulse Oximetry
- 8. What Happens Next? Legal Timelines and Potential Outcomes
- 9. Broader Implications for Tech Patents and Wearable Devices
Masimo Takes Legal Action Against U.S. Customs Over Apple Watch Import Dispute
The Ongoing Battle: Apple Watch and Masimo’s Patent Claims
The dispute between medical technology firm Masimo and Apple over pulse oximetry technology has escalated, with Masimo now taking legal action against U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This follows a December 2023 ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that found Apple infringed on Masimo’s patents related to technology used in the Apple Watch to measure blood oxygen levels. the core of the issue revolves around Masimo’s claims that Apple knowingly copied their sensor technology and algorithms.
Understanding the ITC Ruling and Import Ban
The ITC’s initial ruling resulted in a ban on imports of certain Apple Watch models – specifically the Series 9 and Ultra 2 – into the United States. This import ban stemmed from a determination that Apple had directly infringed on Masimo’s patents.Apple attempted to circumvent the ban with a software update designed to disable the blood oxygen feature, but this proved insufficient to satisfy CBP.
Patent in Question: Masimo holds patents on a specific method for accurately measuring blood oxygen saturation non-invasively.
ITC’s Role: The ITC is responsible for investigating unfair trade practices, including patent infringement that impacts U.S. commerce.
Initial Apple Response: Apple briefly halted sales of the affected Apple Watch models before attempting the software workaround.
Masimo’s Legal Challenge to Customs
Masimo is now challenging CBP’s continued enforcement of the import ban, arguing that Apple’s workaround – disabling the blood oxygen sensor functionality – should have been enough to allow the watches to be imported. They contend that CBP is improperly interpreting the ITC’s ruling.
Specifically, Masimo alleges that CBP is incorrectly applying a “substantial component” test, claiming that even with the feature disabled, the infringing technology remains a substantial component of the Apple Watch. Masimo argues that disabling the feature renders the patented technology non-infringing.
Impact on Apple and Consumers
The ongoing dispute has notable implications for both Apple and consumers.
Sales Disruption: Apple initially stopped sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the U.S. following the ITC ruling. While sales resumed briefly with the software update, the current CBP stance threatens another sales halt. According to tagesschau.de,Apple stopped the sale of new Apple Watch models in the USA after losing the patent case.
consumer Choice: The limited availability of certain Apple Watch models restricts consumer choice.
Potential Price Increases: Supply chain disruptions could lead to price increases for available models.
Innovation Concerns: The case raises broader questions about patent protection and the potential for stifling innovation in the wearable technology sector.
Key Technologies at the Heart of the Dispute: Pulse Oximetry
Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method for measuring the oxygen saturation level in a person’s blood. It’s a crucial tool in healthcare, particularly for monitoring patients with respiratory conditions.
Masimo’s Technology: Masimo is a leading innovator in pulse oximetry, known for its Signal Extraction Technology (SET).
Apple Watch Integration: Apple incorporated pulse oximetry functionality into the Apple Watch, allowing users to track their blood oxygen levels.
The Allegation: Masimo claims Apple directly copied their sensor technology and algorithms to implement this feature.
What Happens Next? Legal Timelines and Potential Outcomes
The legal battle is far from over. Here’s a breakdown of potential next steps:
- Court Review: Masimo’s lawsuit against CBP will proceed through the court system.
- Appeals: Irrespective of the initial court ruling, appeals are likely.
- Continued ITC Investigation: The ITC may continue to monitor Apple’s compliance with the import ban.
- Potential Settlement: A settlement between Masimo and Apple remains a possibility, though negotiations have reportedly stalled.
Broader Implications for Tech Patents and Wearable Devices
This case sets a precedent for how patent disputes will be handled in the rapidly evolving wearable technology market. It highlights the importance of:
Due Diligence: Companies must conduct thorough patent searches and risk assessments before incorporating new technologies into their products.
Licensing Agreements: Negotiating licensing agreements with patent holders can help avoid costly legal battles.
* Innovation vs. Infringement: Balancing the need to protect intellectual property with the desire to foster innovation is a critical challenge.
