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Apple Wins $250M Verdict Against Masimo for Infringement of Smartwatch Design Patents

Apple Wins $250M Verdict Against Masimo for Infringement of Smartwatch Design Patents

N
Nishica Srivastava
October 29, 2024
Apple Wins $250M Verdict Against Masimo for Infringement of Smartwatch Design Patents

Apple Inc. V. Masimo Corporation Et Al

Case Background

On October 20, 2022, Apple Inc. filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Masimo Corporation for violating its smartwatch and wireless charger design patents. The case was filed in the United States District Court, Delaware (Wilmington). Judge Jennifer L. Hall presided over this case. [Case number: 1:22cv1377]

Cause

In 2015, Plaintiff Apple launched the Apple Watch, a groundbreaking wearable device that combined advanced technology with stylish design, using high-quality materials. Thanks to substantial investments, the Apple Watch became the best-selling smartwatch ever, protected by various patents. Apple held several key patents, including U.S. Patent Nos. D735,131; D883,279; D947,842; and D962,936, collectively known as the “Patents-in-Suit.” Defendant Masimo offered products that infringed on these patents, notably the Masimo W1 device and its charger, known as the “Wireless Charger.” This combination was referred to as the “W1.” Although Masimo traditionally focused on hospital equipment, it entered the consumer wearables market with the W1, choosing to imitate Apple while also filing lawsuits against the Apple Watch. Masimo had a history in clinical-grade pulse oximetry, primarily selling devices like the Masimo Radical. Its revenue mainly came from disposable biometric sensors. However, as its patents began to expire around 2019, expected royalty income declined, prompting concerns about increased competition. Recognizing a shift toward consumer health technology, influenced by Apple, Masimo sought to compete in this market despite its lack of experience. In January 2020, it filed a lawsuit against Apple, gaining access to confidential Apple Watch design information. In June 202

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Tags

patent infringement
wilful infringement
Apple Inc
Masimo
smartwatch
wireless charger
apple inc
masimo