Masimo sues U.S. Customs Over Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Feature
Table of Contents
Washington D.C. – Medical technology firm Masimo has initiated legal action against U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), alleging that the agency improperly allowed Apple to re-enable the blood oxygen monitoring function on its Apple Watch. This move follows a period where the feature was disabled on newly sold devices due to a patent dispute, and Masimo contends the CBP’s decision is a unilateral and unlawful reversal of an existing import ban.
The Core of the Dispute
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia,names CBP,as well as Krist Noem,head of the higher-level home protection authority,and two additional top officials. Masimo argues that the CBP’s recent action undermines the patent protection granted by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The case is formally listed as Galm v US CBP et al, case number 1:25-CV-2749.
Apple’s Workaround and CBP’s response
Last week, Apple surprised the market by reactivating the blood oxygen measurement feature on U.S. Apple watches through a software update. Previously,this functionality had been blocked for over a year and a half. However, the updated feature displays results solely on the paired iPhone, not directly on the watch face. Apple stated this workaround was permitted by a recent CBP decision.
Masimo asserts that the CBP’s decision to allow this workaround was made without due process or consultation with the patent holder. The company claims it only learned of the change through Apple’s public declaration.
Allegations of Undue Influence
Masimo further alleges that the CBP’s decision may have been influenced by Apple’s substantial investment pledge of $600 billion in the U.S. market.Reports indicate that Apple CEO Tim Cook personally presented President Donald Trump with a gold-plated Apple logo as a gesture of commitment.
Did You Know?
The blood oxygen monitoring feature, known as SpO2, measures the percentage of oxygen carried in the blood, providing insights into respiratory health.
A Years-Long Patent Battle
The dispute between Masimo and Apple has been ongoing for several years. Masimo accuses Apple of poaching employees and misappropriating technology to develop the blood oxygen sensor for the Apple Watch. Apple denies these allegations. The timing of the feature’s reactivation is notably notable, as Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation iPhone 17 series, along with the Ultra 3, series 11, and SE 3 Apple Watch models, in September.
Pro Tip:
Understanding patent law and its implications for technological innovation is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
Key Dates and Actions
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | ITC issues import ban on certain Apple Watch models due to patent infringement. |
| 2024 | Apple disables blood oxygen monitoring on new Apple Watch models in the U.S. |
| August 2025 | Apple reactivates blood oxygen monitoring via software update, displaying results on iPhone. |
| August 2025 | Masimo files lawsuit against U.S. Customs and Border Protection. |
What impact will this legal battle have on the future of wearable health technology? And how will this affect consumers’ access to vital health data?
The Broader Context of Wearable health Technology
The rise of wearable health technology, including smartwatches and fitness trackers, has revolutionized personal health monitoring. These devices offer a range of features,from tracking steps and heart rate to measuring blood oxygen levels and detecting irregular heart rhythms. Though, the accuracy and reliability of these measurements are frequently enough debated, and regulatory oversight remains a challenge. The Masimo-Apple dispute highlights the importance of intellectual property protection and the potential for legal battles in this rapidly evolving industry. the market for wearable medical devices is projected to reach $30.5 billion by 2027, according to a report by Grand View Research [Grand View Research], demonstrating the meaningful growth and investment in this sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the core issue in the Masimo-Apple dispute? The dispute centers around Apple’s alleged infringement of Masimo’s patents related to blood oxygen measurement technology.
- What does the ITC import ban entail? The ITC import ban prevents Apple from importing certain Apple Watch models that infringe on Masimo’s patents.
- How did Apple circumvent the import ban? Apple implemented a software update that displays blood oxygen readings on the paired iPhone instead of directly on the watch.
- What is Masimo seeking through its lawsuit? Masimo aims to compel the CBP to enforce the original import ban and prevent Apple from circumventing patent protections.
- What is SpO2 and why is it vital? SpO2, or blood oxygen saturation, is a measure of the percentage of oxygen carried in the blood, crucial for assessing respiratory health.
- What is the potential impact of this case on other tech companies? This case could set a precedent for how patent disputes are handled in the wearable technology industry.
We’ll continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest tech news and analysis.