Apple Faces $634M Penalty

A California jury has ruled that Apple must pay $634 million to Masimo for patent infringement related to blood oxygen monitoring technology used in Apple Watches. The jury sided with Masimo, asserting that Apple's workout mode and heart rate notifications infringed on Masimo's patents.

This verdict is part of an ongoing legal battle between the two companies, with Masimo initially filing a lawsuit in 2020 alleging employee poaching and patent infringement. The dispute previously led to a brief import ban on Apple's Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches after the International Trade Commission (ITC) found patent infringement. Apple has since updated its blood oxygen technology and reintroduced it to its watches. Apple intends to appeal the decision.

Masimo's CEO views the outcome as a victory for protecting their innovations. The ITC is set to review whether Apple's updated watches should still be subject to the import ban, while Masimo has an ongoing lawsuit against Customs regarding the decision.