**Apple and Masimo Legal Tug-of-War Over Patents Sees Mixed Outcomes**

In late 2023, Apple's Christmas sales took a hit when a ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC) curtailed U.S. sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. The ITC found that these models infringed on a patented pulse oximetry technology owned by Masimo, a medical device manufacturer. This development left Apple with only its Apple Watch SE available for sale between December 21 and December 27, as it lacked the contentious feature. To adapt, Apple subsequently opted to remove the blood oxygen measurement capability from its flagship smartwatches, a feature that remains absent from new devices as of today.

However, in a recent twist, Apple scored a minor victory over Masimo. According to Bloomberg Law, a federal jury in Delaware ruled that Masimo had infringed on two of Apple's patents in one of its smartwatches. Yet, this win is seen as largely symbolic for several reasons. Apple only sought $250 in damages, the statutory minimum possible. Apple attorney John Desmarais emphasized to the jury that the action aimed to "stop copying our design" rather than pursue financial gain.

The patents in question pertain to an Apple Watch charger and a health module within the smartwatch. Still, both are not part of Masimo's current products, minimizing the impact of the ruling on future sales. Bloomberg notes that the decision effectively reduces any chances Apple had to block sales of Masimo’s existing products.

Masimo, on its part, celebrated the jury's decision as a victory. The company stated that Apple mainly sought an injunction against its current products, which the jury did not grant. Accordingly, Masimo believes the verdict represents a win in that regard.

Meanwhile, Apple maintains a different perspective. In a statement shared with 9to5Mac, Apple expressed gratitude to the jury for acknowledging the infringement on its patented designs. Apple emphasized the dedication and innovation invested in the Apple Watch, asserting that Masimo's actions had unjustly appropriated Apple's intellectual property.

The trial, however, doesn't change the standing issue of blood oxygen sensing technology that led to the ITC ruling initially. The feature remains absent from the Apple Watch Series 10, recently released. In February, Apple CEO Tim Cook indicated that the company intends to appeal the ITC ruling rather than negotiate a licensing deal with Masimo. "We're focused on appeal," he stated, underlining that the Apple Watch has plenty of selling points without the blood oxygen sensor.

This ongoing legal battle reflects both companies' determination to protect their innovations and market positions, each claiming moral victories while strategic outcomes diverge.