A U.S. federal jury ruled on November 14, 2025, that Apple must pay medical technology firm Masimo $634 million for infringing patents related to blood-oxygen monitoring technology in its smartwatches. The verdict concludes a multi-year legal battle centered on allegations that Apple incorporated Masimo's pulse oximetry innovations into its Apple Watch features without authorization.
Masimo accused Apple of hiring its employees and replicating proprietary health-tracking systems, claims that previously led to a 2023 U.S. import ban on certain Apple Watch models. While Apple removed the contested technology to resume sales, the company has vowed to appeal the latest ruling, calling it "misguided."
The dispute remains unresolved, with the U.S. International Trade Commission recently initiating a new review to determine whether Apple's redesigned watches comply with patent regulations. Analysts suggest the case underscores growing tensions between tech giants and specialized health-tech innovators, particularly as wearable devices increasingly integrate medical-grade sensors.
For Asian manufacturers and investors, the ruling highlights risks in cross-industry collaborations and the importance of robust intellectual property strategies. Apple's supply chain, which relies heavily on Asian partners, could face renewed scrutiny as global patent enforcement tightens.
