A U.S. jury ruled on November 15, 2025, that Apple must pay Masimo $634 million in a patent infringement case over smartwatch technology, awarding Masimo a major victory after years of litigation. This decision escalates the dispute, as the International Trade Commission (ITC) continues to review a potential import ban on Apple products. The ruling highlights Masimo’s aggressive stance against Apple’s use of pulse oximetry features in the Apple Watch, shifting the balance in the wearable tech patent wars.
Origins of the Masimo-Apple Patent Dispute
The legal battle between Masimo and Apple began in 2020 when Masimo filed a lawsuit accusing Apple of willfully infringing on its patents related to blood oxygen monitoring technology in smartwatches. Masimo claimed that Apple had hired former employees and misappropriated trade secrets to develop similar features for the Apple Watch Series 6 and subsequent models. This marked the beginning of a contentious legal journey that would see both companies locked in a high-stakes battle over intellectual property rights.
Masimo’s allegations were not limited to patent infringement alone. The company also accused Apple of engaging in unfair competition by leveraging proprietary information obtained through former Masimo employees. In 2022, Masimo took its fight to the regulatory arena by filing a complaint with the ITC, seeking an import ban on Apple Watch models that allegedly infringed on its patents. This move underscored the seriousness of Masimo’s claims and its determination to protect its technological innovations from what it viewed as unauthorized use by a major competitor.
Progression Through Pretrial and Discovery
The case was transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in 2022, where pretrial motions focused on defining the scope of the patent claims and evaluating evidence of copying. Apple countered by arguing that Masimo’s patents were either invalid or not infringed upon, and it sought to dismiss the case on procedural grounds. However, these attempts were unsuccessful, allowing the case to proceed to the discovery phase.
During the discovery process from 2023 to 2024, significant revelations emerged, including internal Apple documents that showed development timelines overlapping with Masimo’s innovations. These documents provided crucial evidence supporting Masimo’s claims of infringement, as they suggested that Apple had indeed utilized Masimo’s proprietary technology in developing its own smartwatch features. This period of discovery was pivotal in shaping the arguments that would later be presented at trial.
The Trial and Jury Deliberations
The trial commenced in October 2025 in a Delaware federal court, where Masimo presented evidence of three specific patents infringed by Apple’s pulse oximetry sensors. The trial featured testimonies from key witnesses, including Masimo CEO Joe Kiani, who emphasized the company’s significant investment in research and development, exceeding $1 billion, to advance sensor technology. This testimony highlighted the stakes involved for Masimo, as it sought to protect its substantial investments in innovation.
After a brief period of deliberation, the jury reached a unanimous verdict on November 15, 2025, finding that Apple had infringed on all the asserted patents. This decision marked a significant victory for Masimo, affirming its claims and setting the stage for potential further legal and financial consequences for Apple. The jury’s decision underscored the importance of intellectual property rights in the competitive landscape of wearable technology.
Breakdown of the $634 Million Award
The jury calculated the damages based on a reasonable royalty for past sales of infringing Apple Watch units from 2020 onward, resulting in a total award of $634 million. This substantial figure reflected the jury’s assessment of the financial impact of Apple’s infringement on Masimo’s patented technology. The jury also rejected Apple’s request for a lower award, affirming the finding of willful infringement, which could lead to enhanced damages in post-trial motions.
The verdict had an immediate impact on Masimo’s stock, with shares rising over 5% in after-hours trading on November 15, 2025, following the announcement. This market reaction indicated investor confidence in Masimo’s strengthened position in the ongoing patent dispute and its potential to secure further financial gains through enforcement actions or licensing agreements.
Immediate Aftermath and ITC Overlap
In response to the verdict, Apple expressed disappointment and announced its intention to appeal the decision to the Federal Circuit, a move that could potentially delay payment for years. This appeal highlights Apple’s determination to contest the jury’s findings and seek a more favorable outcome through the appellate process. However, the appeal also introduces uncertainty regarding the final resolution of the case and the timing of any financial compensation to Masimo.
Meanwhile, the ITC investigation continues to unfold, with the commission beginning to consider an import ban on Apple Watches incorporating the disputed technology on November 15, 2025. This parallel regulatory process adds another layer of complexity to the dispute, as an import ban could significantly impact Apple’s ability to sell its smartwatch products in the U.S. market. For Masimo, the ITC’s actions represent an opportunity to further assert its intellectual property rights and potentially gain leverage in ongoing global patent disputes.
As the legal and regulatory proceedings continue, Masimo is likely to explore various strategic options, including enforcement actions and licensing negotiations, to capitalize on its strengthened position. The jury’s verdict not only affirms Masimo’s claims but also sets a precedent for future patent disputes in the wearable technology sector, underscoring the critical importance of protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights in a rapidly evolving industry.
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Grant Mercer covers market dynamics, business trends, and the economic forces driving growth across industries. His analysis connects macro movements with real-world implications for investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Through his work at The Daily Overview, Grant helps readers understand how markets function and where opportunities may emerge.
