In a surprising turn of events, Apple has announced that it will be halting sales of its latest Apple Watch models, the Series 9 and Ultra 2, following a recent patent infringement lawsuit filed by medical technology company Masimo. The lawsuit alleges that Apple’s use of a blood oxygen sensor technology patented by Masimo violates their intellectual property rights.
Masimo, a pioneer in pulse oximetry technology, claims that Apple’s implementation of their patented red, infrared, and near-infrared LEDs in its Apple Watch infringes on their patent for a non-invasive blood oxygen monitoring system. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, seeks damages and an injunction to prevent Apple from further infringing on Masimo’s patent.
Apple has maintained its innocence throughout the legal proceedings, stating that its blood oxygen sensor technology is original and does not rely on Masimo’s patented technology. However, the court has ruled in favor of Masimo, ordering Apple to stop selling the Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watches until the matter is resolved.
This decision has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, raising concerns about the potential impact on innovation and competition. Apple’s decision to halt sales of its latest Apple Watch models suggests that the company is taking the patent infringement allegation seriously and does not want to risk further legal action.
The implications of this case could extend beyond Apple and Masimo, potentially affecting other companies that rely on patented technologies. It remains to be seen whether Apple will appeal the court’s decision or find a way to modify its Apple Watch technology to comply with Masimo’s patent. However, the immediate impact is clear: Apple’s latest smartwatches are no longer available for purchase, and the company’s future plans for this technology remain uncertain.
