Danaher-Owned Masimo Fails to Renew Apple Watch Import Ban
The U.S. International Trade Commission declined to review its preliminary March finding that Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches no longer infringe Masimo blood-oxygen patents, ending Masimo’s bid to reinstate an import ban. Danaher-owned Masimo may appeal the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
1. Tribunal Rejects Masimo’s Review Request
The U.S. International Trade Commission decided not to review its judge’s preliminary March ruling that Apple’s Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches do not infringe Masimo patents on blood-oxygen technology, effectively ending Masimo’s attempt to reinstate an import ban on those devices.
2. History of Patent Dispute
Masimo originally secured an ITC import block in December 2023 after alleging infringement of patents covering pulse-oximetry features, prompting Apple to remove the blood-oxygen reader from its watches before launching a redesigned version last August.
3. Appeal Prospects
Danaher-owned Masimo can appeal the ITC’s decision to the Federal Circuit, with potential arguments focusing on patent validity and the scope of alleged infringement; a successful appeal would be required to revive any import restrictions.
4. Financial and Strategic Impact
The ruling may reduce Masimo’s leverage in ongoing litigation and dampen potential licensing or damages revenues, while Apple’s restored blood-oxygen feature could bolster its smartwatch competitiveness against medical-grade rivals.