Oct 30, 2023 13:21:00

The US International Trade Commission rules that the Apple Watch's blood oxygen wellness measurement function infringes the patent of medical device maker Masimo

Some Apple Watches, starting with the Apple Watch Series 6 released in 2020, are equipped with a ``

Blood Oxygen Wellness App '' that can measure the level of oxygen taken into the blood. However, medical device manufacturer Masimo has complained that this feature ``infringes its patent.'' On October 27, 2023, the United States International Trade Commission acknowledged Masimo's complaint and issued an exclusion order against Apple, stating that ``imports into the United States are prohibited unless this feature is removed.''

US trade tribunal issues potential Apple Watch import ban in Masimo patent fight | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-trade-tribunal-issues-potential-apple-watch-import-ban-masimo-patent-fight-2023-10-26/

Apple Watches violates Masimo patents, ITC rules - Los Angeles Times

https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/story/2023-10-27/apple-watches-violate-patents-held-by-orange-county-tech-company-us-international-trade-commission- finds

Some

Apple Watch Series 6 and later models are equipped with the 'Blood Oxygen Wellness App,' which uses four LED clusters and a photodiode to measure your own blood oxygen concentration on your wrist.

Summary of how to use the ``Blood Oxygen Wellness App'' that can measure blood oxygen concentration with ``Apple Watch Series 6'' - GIGAZINE

However, in June 2021, medical device manufacturer Masimo stated, ``The blood oxygen wellness function installed in Apple Watch Series 6 released in 2020 infringes the company's patent for a blood oxygen saturation measurement mechanism. The company filed a lawsuit with the U.S. International Trade Commission. Masimo has so far obtained numerous patents related to blood oxygen saturation measurement and provides licenses by receiving patent royalties from other medical device manufacturers.

The legal battle between Apple and Masimo lasted several years, but in January 2023, the US International Trade Commission recognized Masimo's lawsuit and declared Apple's defeat. Furthermore, on October 27, 2023, the United States International Trade Commission will uphold the January ruling and issue an order banning imports of Apple Watch.

Commenting on the decision, Masino CEO Joe Chiani said, ``This decision sends a strong message that even one of the world's largest companies, like Apple, cannot get past the law. 'This provides strong support for our efforts to hold Apple accountable for illegally misappropriating patented technology,' he said, emphasizing the legitimacy of the U.S. International Trade Commission's ruling.

Apple Watch, which is manufactured in China and Vietnam, will be examined in the future to determine whether to veto President Joe Biden's import ban. However, according to Reuters, there have been very few cases in which US presidents have used their veto power.

Apple has also announced that it will appeal the U.S. International Trade Commission's decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and an Apple spokesperson said, ``Masimo believes that the Apple Watch infringes its patents. Apple is putting Apple Watch, a product that could save the lives of millions of Americans, in jeopardy by falsely claiming that Apple Watch is a product that could save the lives of millions of Americans.This decision does not have an immediate impact on Apple Watch sales. , we believe this decision should be overturned and are preparing to appeal.'