Apple wins $250 in design patent case against Masimo
- A federal jury in Delaware found that Masimo's smartwatches infringed on two of Apple's design patents.
- The jury awarded Apple $250 in damages, but ruled that Masimo did not infringe Apple's other smartwatch invention patents.
- This case underscores the competitive tensions in the technology industry, highlighting the complexities of patent litigation.
On October 25, 2024, a federal jury in Delaware sided with Apple, determining that Masimo's smartwatches, specifically the W1 and Freedom models, infringed on two of Apple's design patents, resulting in a nominal award of $250. While Apple sought a broader injunction to prevent the sales of Masimo's products, the jury concluded that Masimo did not infringe on Apple's more substantial smartwatch invention patents, leading to a partial victory for Masimo. The company later expressed satisfaction with the verdict, highlighting that it favored them on most significant matters, only affecting discontinued items. Masimo accused Apple of employing unethical tactics by recruiting its employees and allegedly misappropriating technology meant for collaborative efforts while Apple countered that Masimo was engaging in opportunistic litigation to undermine their market position. Ongoing disputes highlight the competitive and contentious dynamic between these two technology firms, focusing on patent rights and market strategies.