Apple Watch found guilty of infringing several patents, import could be suspended

Apple and medical technology company Masimo have a long history, but more recently the latter filed a claim in 2020 seeking damages for patent infringement. Today, the court found Apple guilty and the United States International Trade Commission will consider banning the import of Apple Watch Series 6 and above.

Just before the release of the first Apple Watch, the Cupertino-based company sought to collaborate with Masimo. But Masimo’s CEO says the purpose of the meeting was to poach certain employees and extract information and expertise on certain Masimo products. Specifically, modern blood oxygen sensor technology used in hospitals.

However, Apple did sign Masimo’s chief medical officer shortly after the meeting.

As a result, Masimo sued Apple in 2020 for infringing 10 different Masimo patents and sought a ban on Apple Watch sales in the United States.

There is still a final decision to be made by the USITC and it will be difficult to sort out. The commission will have to take a close look at Apple’s pulse oximeter and its implementation and decide whether or not Apple used Masimo’s trade secrets to develop the mobile technology. The USITC works independently of the court, so it may come to a different decision.

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