Apple Wins Patent Infringement Case Against Masimo, Awarded $250 in Damages

A federal jury ruled in favor of Apple in a patent infringement case against Masimo, determining that an older version of Masimo's smartwatches violated Apple's design patents. Despite the win, Apple was awarded only $250 in damages, with the focus being an injunction on future product sales.

Despite Winning Patent Case, Apple Awarded $250 as Jury Sides with Masimo on Key Issues

In a broader intellectual property dispute, Apple successfully persuaded a federal jury on October 25 that the smartwatches of health monitoring tech company Masimo infringe on two of its design patents, per Reuters.

The Delaware jury concurred with Apple's assertion that the previous incarnations of Masimo's W1 and Freedom watches and chargers willfully infringed upon Apple's patent rights in smartwatch designs.

However, the jury only awarded the tech behemoth $250 in damages, the statutory minimum for infringement in the United States. The company is valued at approximately $3.5 trillion.

Apple's attorneys informed the court that the "ultimate purpose" of its litigation was not to obtain financial compensation but to secure an injunction against the sale of Masimo's smartwatches following an infringement ruling.

The jury also determined that Masimo's current watches did not infringe on Apple patents that pertain to inventions that the tech titan had accused Masimo of copying.

Masimo expressed gratitude for the jury's verdict, which was "in favor of Masimo and against Apple on nearly all issues." The company clarified that the decision was limited to a "discontinued module and charger."

"Apple primarily sought an injunction against Masimo's current products, and the jury's verdict is a victory for Masimo on that issue," Masimo said.

Apple expressed its satisfaction with the jury's decision, stating that it was "grateful" that the innovations it advances on behalf of its customers would be safeguarded.

Irvine, California-based After discussing a potential collaboration, Masimo accused Apple of firing its employees and stealing its pulse oximetry technology.

Apple and Masimo Continue Legal Battle Over Smartwatch Patents, Dispute Escalates After Trade Commission Ruling

Last year, Masimo successfully persuaded the U.S. International Trade Commission to prohibit the importation of Apple's Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches. The commission had determined that the technology used to monitor blood oxygen levels infringed upon Masimo's patents.

After removing the technology, Apple appealed the decision and sold the devices again. In 2022, the technology behemoth countersued Masimo for patent infringement, alleging that Masimo had copied Apple Watch features for use in its smartwatches.

Apple also accused Masimo of utilizing litigation in California and at the ITC to "clear the way for Masimo's own watch."

Masimo claimed Apple's patent litigation was "retaliatory" and "an attempt to circumvent the court in which the parties have been litigating their dispute."