This is a feature that Apple added to its Apple Watch Series 6 and later models that uses light to detect the amount of oxygen in the blood.
A US International Trade Commission (ITC) judge ruled that Apple infringed one of the five patents from the medical device manufacturer Masimo relating to the measurement of the amount of oxygen in the blood.
The ITC concluded that the Cupertino-based company used Masimo’s technology to develop oximetry functionality and components. This is a feature that Apple added to its Series 6 Apple Watch, and also to later models, that uses light to detect the amount of oxygen in the blood.
It was in June 2021 that Masimo filed a patent infringement lawsuit with the ITC in an attempt to ban imports of Apple Watches that have pulse oximeter functionality. So far, the judge has concluded that four other patents in question have not been infringed. The final decision is expected to be made on May 10.
“We are pleased that the judge has recognized Apple’s infringement of Masimo’s pulse oximetry technology and has taken this critical first step toward liability,” said Masimo CEO Joe Kiani. “Today’s decision should help restore fairness to the marketplace. Apple has infringed on other companies’ technologies, and we believe today’s ruling exposes Apple as a company that takes other companies’ innovations and repackages them.” .
For its part, Apple stated that it does not agree with the resolution. “At Apple, our teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness and safety features,” the company said in a statement.
“Masimo is trying to take advantage of these many innovations by introducing a device that mimics the Apple Watch and infringes on our intellectual property, while also trying to remove competition from the marketplace. We respectfully disagree with today’s decision and look forward to a full review by the commission,” he added.
Source: RT
