Apple declared to have stolen SpO2 sensor tech and patents for Watch

[thewayne]

There's a company out there, Masimo, VERY well known in the medical field as it's the leading maker of pulse oximetry sensors for hospitals and professionals.

A decade ago, Apple had a big meeting with Masimo over their SpO2 tech. And later hired ten Masimo engineers, including their Chief Medical Officer. Masimo has had a long-standing battle against Apple for infringing their patents in the Apple Watch Series 6 and later.

And Apple just lost.

Masimo is seeking an import ban, which would utterly gut Apple's Watch sales until they either license Masimo's patents or invent their own tech from scratch. I think a cross-licensing deal is the most likely outcome.

There's one very significant difference between the two company's engineering. The Masimo line uses an LED and receptor to send light through your finger or earlobe to measure your blood oxygen, apparently based on blood color. Apple's is able to read it from a single point of contact, but apparently stole Masimo's intellectual property to develop that.

https://9to5mac.com/2023/01/11/apple-watch-patent-infringement/

https://yro.slashdot.org/story/23/01/12/225234/apple-watch-patent-infringement-confirmed-as-masimo-seeks-import-ban

Comments

[disneydream06]

Know that Masimo name quite well. :)
Hugs, Jon

[thewayne]

Heh.  I'll bet you do!  I'm sure you see it daily.

[disneydream06]

In the ICU almost everybody is hooked up to one.
Of course the first thing a confused patient rips off is the pulse ox probe. :o

[silveradept]

Licensing deal is almost always the outcome, because it's the kind of thing that keeps everything running smoothly and profitably, and Apple certainly has the money to spare to put down a licensing deal.

[thewayne]

Most definitely.