Masimo, a medical device company best known for its pulse oximeter technology, is going up against Apple.
Its CEO, Joe Kiani, is leading an audacious lawsuit, investing a whopping $100 million - a sizable chunk of Masimo's $144 million profit from last year - in a legal battle that could reshape the landscape of patent rights in wearable technology (via The Wall Street Journal).
The Wearable Devices Ltd. Mudra band, which detects electric signals sent from the brain to fingers to interact with devices such as the Apple Watch without having to touch them, is demonstrated during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on January 5, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Massimo Eyes Mega Settlement with Apple Lawsuit
The accusation that Apple infringed on Masimo's patents concerning the pulse oximeter, a vital health-monitoring tool used in certain iterations of the Apple Watch, is the basis of this legal dispute.
The pulse oximeter measures blood oxygen levels, an important health indicator, and any reading less than 95% may indicate potential health complications such as low oxygen levels or underlying lung issues.
Kiani's determination stems from a deeper motivation: a desire to challenge the status quo, believing that Apple, as a tech giant, should be held accountable for alleged patent infringement. He went on to say, "No one is standing up to them. If I can do it, it might change Apple for the better."
9to5Mac tells us that this David-versus-Goliath showdown, however, is not a whim. Masimo has a track record of success in such battles, having previously defeated industry heavyweights such as Nellcor and Royal Philips.
Notably, the settlements from these cases totaled billions of dollars in damages and royalties, further strengthening Masimo's position in the tech legal arena.
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Strategic Moves from Apple
Despite the legal dispute, Apple appears to be handling the situation strategically. According to Phone Arena, reports say Apple has developed an alternative method for measuring blood oxygen levels in the Apple Watch and is seeking approval from the FDA and Customs to avoid future patent infringements. However, serious settlement talks between Masimo and Apple have yet to begin.
While Kiani's mission may appear to be a risk, his track record demonstrates otherwise. He remains steadfast, citing his commitment to bringing about change within the Cupertino giant.
"If I can change the most powerful company in the world from continuing to act badly, that'll have more impact on the world than anything else I'm doing," he said.
The case's outcome could have substantial implications for both parties. Should Masimo emerge victorious, Apple may need to obtain licensing rights for Masimo's technology, potentially altering the trajectory of future wearable tech innovations.
With both sides prepared for a protracted legal battle, the clash between Masimo and Apple is far from reaching a resolution.
According to a recent report, Apple appears to have won its appeal before a US appeals court, as the tech giant may now temporarily sell its flagship smartwatches, just days after they were banned by the US International Trade Commission (ITC).
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