Apple drops Blood Oxygen Monitoring due to patent lawsuit.

Image credit-Republic World

In the wake of a contentious legal battle with medical device manufacturer Masimo, Apple has taken the drastic step of removing the pulse oximeter function from its latest smartwatches. This move is a strategic response to avoid a potential import ban in the United States following a patent dispute. The dispute escalated to the point where Apple temporarily halted sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 last month, complying with a ruling from a trade commission. However, a court intervention allowed the tech giant to resume temporary sales while the legal proceedings unfolded.

The root of the legal dispute lies in accusations by Masimo, a California-based medical technology company, claiming that Apple infringed on its intellectual property by utilizing their technology and expertise in developing the pulse oximeter function. Despite Apple's efforts to counter the allegations in a patent lawsuit, the International Trade Commission (ITC) sided with Masimo, leading to the import ban threat. In response, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection approved Apple's decision to deactivate the contested feature, allowing the company to continue its sales in the country.

According to findings from the International Trade Commission in October, certain Apple Watch models were found to have infringed on patents held by Masimo, a company known for its innovations in pulse oximeter technology. The commission's ruling resulted in the imposition of an import ban on Apple's watches, which are predominantly manufactured in Asia.

In a statement, an Apple spokeswoman expressed strong disagreement with the decision, indicating the company's commitment to challenging the legal outcome. The impact of this development is significant for Apple, affecting the global market share of the Apple Watch, which is estimated at 25% according to Counterpoint Research. Despite the setback, Apple remains determined to seek a reversal of the decision, emphasizing its disagreement with the ruling.

Effective from Thursday, Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models without the pulse oximeter function will be made available online and in stores. Despite the removal of the feature, the app icon associated with the pulse oximeter remains present on the devices, but users are notified of its unavailability upon tapping. This strategic decision to comply with the legal requirements while maintaining a presence in the market highlights the complexities and challenges faced by tech giants in navigating intellectual property disputes and regulatory compliance.

The repercussions of this legal battle extend beyond Apple's immediate product offerings. The ruling has implications for the global wearables market and raises questions about the influence of patent disputes on the development and features of cutting-edge technologies. As Apple seeks to address the concerns raised by Masimo and the International Trade Commission, the broader tech industry will be closely watching the unfolding events and their potential impact on future innovations and legal precedents.

In conclusion, the removal of the pulse oximeter function from Apple Watches represents a significant development in the ongoing legal dispute between Apple and Masimo. The decision to comply with the import ban threat underscores the intricate nature of intellectual property battles within the tech industry and the potential impact on market dynamics. As both companies continue to navigate the legal landscape, the outcomes will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of future innovation and intellectual property protection in the realm of wearable technologies.