Full Breakdown
Apple Ordered to Pay Masimo $634 Million for Patent Infringement
11/16/2025, 2:26:15 PM
Jury Verdict and Implications
A federal jury in California has ruled that Apple Inc. must pay $634 million to Masimo Corp. for infringing on a patent related to blood oxygen monitoring technology used in the Apple Watch. The jury concluded that features such as the workout mode and heart rate notifications on the Apple Watch violated Masimo's patent rights, specifically Patent No. 10,433,776, which expired in 2022. This verdict is significant, marking one of the largest patent awards in the Central District of California and affecting approximately 43 million Apple Watch units sold between 2020 and 2022.
Background of the Dispute
The legal battle between Masimo and Apple has been ongoing since 2020, with Masimo accusing Apple of not only patent infringement but also of hiring away its employees to gain access to proprietary technology. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) previously sided with Masimo, issuing an import ban on certain Apple Watch models due to patent violations. In response to the ban, Apple removed blood oxygen monitoring capabilities from its watches and later introduced a redesigned version that processes blood oxygen data on a paired iPhone.
Official Statements and Responses
Masimo characterized the jury's decision as a "significant win" in its efforts to protect its innovations and intellectual property. The company emphasized the importance of this ruling for its ability to develop technology that benefits patients. Conversely, Apple expressed its disagreement with the verdict, stating that the patent in question is outdated and that Masimo has previously asserted over 25 patents, most of which have been deemed invalid. Apple plans to appeal the ruling.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Apple's practices have pointed to the company's history of aggressive legal tactics and its approach to intellectual property. Masimo's allegations suggest a broader strategy by Apple to dominate the wearable technology market through recruitment and appropriation of proprietary knowledge. This case highlights the challenges smaller firms face when competing against tech giants with substantial resources.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the jury awarded Masimo $634 million, Apple argued that damages should be limited to between $3 million and $6 million. The discrepancy in the valuation of damages reflects the contentious nature of the case and the differing interpretations of the patent's applicability to the Apple Watch's features.
What's Next
Following the verdict, Apple intends to contest the ruling through post-trial motions and potentially at the Federal Circuit appellate court. The ITC is also set to investigate whether Apple's redesigned watches still infringe on Masimo's patents, adding another layer to the ongoing legal saga. The outcome of these proceedings could have significant implications for both companies and the wearable technology market as a whole.
Verbatim Quotes
“a significant win in our ongoing efforts to protect our innovations and intellectual property.” — Masimo spokesperson
“We disagree with today's decision, which we believe is contrary to the facts.” — Apple spokesperson
“sued Apple in multiple courts and asserted over 25 patents, the majority of which have been found to be invalid.” — Apple spokesperson
“Every single Apple Watch ever sold has been a heart rate monitor,” — Masimo attorney
