A federal jury in California has ordered **Apple** to pay **A$93 million** to **Masimo**, a medical technology company known for its blood-oxygen monitoring innovations. The verdict, announced over the weekend, found that Apple had unlawfully utilized Masimo’s patented technology within features of its **Apple Watch**, specifically in its Workout mode and heart-rate notification system. This ruling represents a significant moment in an ongoing legal dispute between the two companies.
Masimo’s spokesperson confirmed the jury’s decision, which underscores a contentious history of allegations against Apple regarding the infringement of intellectual property. In response, Apple denied any wrongdoing and criticized the ruling, asserting that the patent in question expired in **2022** and relates to technologies developed decades ago. The company announced plans to appeal the verdict.
Ongoing Legal Battles
This latest ruling does not resolve the broader conflict between Masimo and Apple. The legal struggle began with Masimo accusing Apple of misappropriating its pulse-oximeter technology, leading to multiple lawsuits. Notably, these disputes previously compelled Apple to temporarily halt sales of its **Apple Watch Series 9** and **Ultra 2** models in the U.S. In **August 2023**, Apple modified its blood-oxygen feature and introduced the updated version across its Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 devices. While U.S. Customs approved the redesigned system, Masimo has since filed a lawsuit against the agency, claiming it overstepped its authority by approving the devices without consulting Masimo.
Apple’s Patent Dispute History
The case against Apple is part of a broader pattern of high-profile patent disputes that the tech giant has faced over the years. Notable examples include:
– **VirnetX (2010–2020)**: After a protracted legal battle over secure-communications and VPN patents, Apple was ordered to pay **US$454 million**, a figure that fluctuated through various appeals.
– **Optis Wireless (2020–2022)**: A Texas jury determined that Apple infringed on LTE patents, initially awarding **US$300 million** before the issue underwent multiple retrials.
– **Qualcomm (2017–2019)**: A dispute over licensing and royalty payments concluded in **2019** with Apple found to have infringed on certain Qualcomm patents, ultimately resulting in a global settlement that included an undisclosed payment and a six-year licensing agreement.
Beyond patent-related issues, Apple has encountered several non-patent legal challenges that have further complicated its operations. In a notable case, Apple settled for **US$95 million** over claims that recordings from its **Siri** voice assistant were captured without user consent, violating privacy expectations. Additionally, a U.S. judge ruled that Apple could not prevent developers from directing users to alternative payment methods outside its App Store, undermining a critical aspect of Apple’s revenue model. In the UK, Apple faced repercussions from a class-action lawsuit related to software updates that throttled performance in older iPhones, leading to further legal obligations to compensate affected users.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve, the implications of the verdict against Apple and the ongoing disputes with Masimo remain significant for both companies and the broader technology sector. The outcome of Apple’s planned appeal and the remaining claims from Masimo will likely influence future developments in patent law and corporate practices in the tech industry.
