Apple's 'Half Watch' Win: Patent Battle Intensifies with Masimo

Apple recently achieved a legal victory in the ongoing patent disputes with Masimo, a medical technology company. A jury found that two of Masimo’s older smartwatch models infringed on Apple’s patents, resulting in a compensation of just $250, an amount humorously equivalent to "half an Apple Watch" given the $499 price of the Apple Watch Series 10.

The roots of this legal battle trace back to 2013 and 2014 when Apple hired key figures from Masimo to work on developing the Apple Watch. Masimo accused Apple of misusing proprietary information and sought legal action in 2020. Apple, however, contended that no intellectual property was improperly utilized.

In October 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled in favor of Masimo, stating Apple’s blood oxygen monitor infringed Masimo’s patents, impacting the sales of certain Apple Watch models. Despite this setback, Apple is fighting back by legally challenging Masimo’s products, and the recent verdict adds a new layer to their strategy.

Apple’s recent legal outcome allowed it to push back against Masimo's claims. Though the financial award was minimal, the central focus for Apple was to impose a ban on Masimo's smartwatch sales. Meanwhile, Masimo argues the decision pertains only to discontinued products and does not substantially affect its current offerings.

This ongoing saga has broader implications for the wearables market, as other tech giants like Google and Qualcomm are making strides by integrating Masimo’s technology with their platforms. The unfolding dispute between Apple and Masimo, now further complicated by these alliances, underscores the competitive and litigious nature of the tech industry.

As these legal challenges persist, the outcome is critical not only for the companies involved but also for consumers, who stand to gain—or lose—from how innovation is protected and shared. The next developments in this case are awaited with keen interest, indicating how future technology battles might take shape.