Masimo Sues US Customs Over Apple Watch Import Decision Amid Patent Dispute

Masimo's Lawsuit Against US Customs

• ⚖️ Masimo has filed a lawsuit against US Customs and Border Protection over a recent agency decision.
• 💡 The decision allowed Apple to import Apple Watches equipped with blood-oxygen reading technology, despite an ongoing patent dispute.

The Core of the Dispute

• 🚫 Masimo alleges that Customs improperly permitted Apple to import watches with pulse oximetry technology, reversing a previous decision without notification.
• 🗓️ Masimo learned of Customs' August 1st decision only after Apple announced the reintroduction of blood oxygen features last week.

Background of the Patent Infringement Case

• 📱 Masimo, a medical monitoring technology company, accuses Apple of hiring away employees and stealing its pulse oximetry technology for use in Apple Watches.
• 📉 Masimo had previously convinced the US International Trade Commission to block imports of Apple's Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in 2023, based on a determination that Apple's technology infringed Masimo's patents.
• 💬 Spokespeople for Apple and Customs did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and a Masimo spokesperson declined to comment.