GoKawiilThere are two new developments in Apple’s ongoing legal battle with health technology company Masimo over the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen feature.
First, an ITC Administrative Law Judge Monica Bhattacharyya found in an initial determination that Apple’s redesigned version of the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen feature does not infringe Masimo’s patents.
Second, the Federal Circuit has affirmed the ITC’s initial exclusion order, meaning the original version of the blood oxygen feature on Apple Watch is still banned in the United States.
The redesigned Apple Watch blood oxygen feature
In an initial determination filed on Wednesday, Administrative Law Judge Monica Bhattacharyya wrote that there is “no underlying act of direct infringement” on Masimo patents by the redesigned version of Apple Watch’s blood oxygen feature, even when paired with an iPhone. The ITC first announced its proceeding last November, three months after Apple launched the redesigned version of the feature in the US.
As a refresher, Apple’s redesigned version of the feature moves most of the process to the iPhone rather than the Apple Watch. You still start a blood oxygen reading on Apple Watch itself, but you must view the results on your paired iPhone. You cannot view those results on your Apple Watch itself.
Judge Bhattacharyya’s determination is an initial, recommended determination. It now goes to the full ITC Commission for a final determination.
In a statement to 9to5Mac, an Apple spokesperson praised the decision from Judge Bhattacharyya:
“We thank the Administrative Law Judge for her careful consideration, and are pleased with the decision. For six years, Masimo has brought dozens of false claims against Apple, nearly all of which have been rejected. We will continue innovating to create industry-leading health, wellness, and life-saving features for our users.”
The original Apple Watch blood oxygen feature
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