3 6 Ke·2025-09-01 02:12Core Viewpoint - The ongoing patent dispute between Apple and Masimo has intensified, particularly following the reintroduction of blood oxygen monitoring features in the Apple Watch, which has led to legal actions involving the U.S. government [1][9]. Group 1: Background of the Patent Dispute - Masimo, a leader in the field of vital sign monitoring, has been engaged in a long-standing patent battle with Apple since 2013, when Apple sought to develop health monitoring features for its wearable devices [1][2]. - The conflict escalated when key Masimo employees, including a significant technical talent, transitioned to Apple, leading to allegations of patent infringement by Masimo [2][3]. Group 2: Legal Proceedings and Outcomes - In January 2020, Masimo filed a lawsuit against Apple for infringing on multiple patents related to pulse oximetry technology, which was followed by Apple's counteractions to invalidate Masimo's patents [3][5]. - A significant ruling in April 2023 favored Apple, with a jury siding with the company, but the legal battles continued as Masimo expanded its claims to include newer Apple Watch models [3][8]. Group 3: Recent Developments - In October 2023, the ITC ruled that Apple had infringed on Masimo's patents, resulting in an import ban on certain Apple Watch models, prompting Apple to suspend sales of these products in the U.S. [8][9]. - Apple managed to restore the blood oxygen monitoring feature through a software update that shifted the processing to paired iPhones, circumventing the ITC's ban [8][9]. Group 4: Implications for the Industry - The outcome of this patent dispute could have significant implications for domestic wearable health device companies, particularly as blood oxygen monitoring becomes a critical feature in health tech [10]. - While the current legal issues primarily affect the U.S. market, there is a potential risk for domestic companies looking to expand internationally, necessitating careful patent strategy and risk assessment [10][11].