ITC judge rules Apple Watch’s redesigned blood oxygen feature does not infringe Masimo’s patent
There are two new developments in the continuing legal battle between Apple and health technology company Masimo over the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen feature.
In an initial ruling, ITC Administrative Law Judge Monica Bhattacharyya found that the Apple Watch’s redesigned blood oxygen feature did not infringe Masimo’s patents.
Second, the Federal Circuit upheld the ITC’s original exclusion order. original The Blood Oxygen feature version of the Apple Watch remains banned in the United States.
Redesigned Apple Watch blood oxygen feature
In an initial ruling filed Wednesday, Administrative Law Judge Monica Bhattacharyya said the redesigned version of the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen feature, even when combined with the iPhone, “does not constitute a fundamental direct infringement” of Masimo’s patents. ITC first announced the proceedings last November, three months after Apple launched a redesigned version of the feature in the United States.
As a refresher, Apple’s redesigned version of the feature moves much of the process to the iPhone rather than the Apple Watch. Although you can initiate blood oxygen measurements on your Apple Watch itself, the results must be viewed on a paired iPhone. You can’t view these results on the Apple Watch itself.
Justice Bhattacharyya’s decision is the first recommended decision. The final decision is now left to the entire ITC committee.
in a statement to 9to5 macan Apple spokesperson praised Judge Bhattacharyya’s ruling.
“We appreciate the administrative law judge’s careful consideration and are pleased with this ruling. Over six years, Masimo has filed dozens of false claims against Apple, nearly all of which have been dismissed. We will continue to innovate to create industry-leading health, wellness and life-saving features for our users.”
Original Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Feature
The second development is that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit today upheld the original ITC ruling from 2023.
This is the first cease and desist order that forced Apple to temporarily suspend sales of the Apple Watch in the United States in December 2023. A few weeks later, Apple resumed selling the Apple Watch in the United States, but with the blood oxygen feature disabled.
Today’s decision by the Federal Circuit leaves that exclusion order in place. Apple is allowed to continue selling Apple Watches in the U.S. with a redesigned version of the blood oxygen feature, but the feature cannot be reverted to the original version.
in a statement to 9to5 macan Apple spokesperson said.
“We disagree with this decision and are evaluating all avenues for further review. We innovate every day to develop industry-leading health, wellness and safety features and remain committed to providing our users with the world’s best products and services.”
The company said it believes the ruling was erroneous and is considering additional avenues of review. Again, there is no impact on a user’s ability to use the current blood oxygen capabilities currently available in the United States.
(h/t IP dispute)
