### Apple Faces Major Legal Setback: $634 Million Verdict in Masimo Patent Case In a significant ruling, a federal jury has ordered Apple Inc. to pay **$634 million** to Masimo Corporation for infringing on its patented blood-oxygen monitoring technology used in Apple Watch devices. This verdict underscores the ongoing tensions in the tech industry regarding intellectual property rights and innovation protection. Masimo has expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding technological advancements and patents in the medical technology sector [https://www.timesnownews.com/technology-science/apple-ordered-to-pay-around-55790000000-to-masimo-in-apple-watch-patent-case-article-153164916]. ### Breakdown of the Case and Its Implications 1. **Background of the Case** - The lawsuit centered on Masimo's patented technology for blood-oxygen monitoring, which Apple allegedly incorporated into its Apple Watch models sold between 2020 and 2022 [https://www.techloy.com/apple-ordered-to-pay-masimo-634-million-in-smartwatch-patent-defeat]. - The jury's decision reflects a growing trend of legal challenges in the tech industry, particularly concerning health-related technologies [https://www.siliconrepublic.com/business/apple-masimo-634m-patent-infringement-us-jury-california-2025]. 2. **Details of the Verdict** - The jury found that Apple had infringed on Masimo's Patent No. 10,433,776, which covers specific functionalities related to blood-oxygen monitoring [https://www.wallstreet-online.de/nachricht/20169717-masimo-issues-statement-on-california-jury-verdict-finding-patent-infringement-by-apple-and-awarding-masimo-634-million-damages]. - This ruling is particularly significant as it may influence future patent litigation and the development of health-monitoring technologies in consumer electronics [https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/telcos-media-tech/us-jury-says-apple-must-pay-masimo-us634-million-smartwatch-patent-case]. 3. **Reactions and Future Considerations** - Masimo's leadership has hailed the verdict as a victory for innovation and a necessary step in protecting intellectual property rights [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/apple-ordered-to-pay-634m-to-masimo-over-patent-infringement/story]. - The outcome may lead to increased scrutiny of Apple's product features and could potentially affect its market strategy regarding health-related functionalities in future devices [https://www.gadgetsandwearables.com/2025/11/16/masimo-apple-watch]. ### Summary of Findings - **Major Conclusion**: Apple has been ordered to pay **$634 million** to Masimo due to patent infringement related to blood-oxygen monitoring technology in its Apple Watch devices. 1. **Legal Context**: The ruling highlights the critical nature of patent protection in the tech industry, especially concerning health technologies. 2. **Implications for Apple**: This verdict may necessitate changes in Apple's product offerings and could influence future patent litigation strategies. 3. **Industry Impact**: The case sets a precedent for how tech companies navigate intellectual property rights, particularly in the rapidly evolving health tech sector. This ruling not only marks a pivotal moment for Masimo but also serves as a cautionary tale for other tech giants regarding the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in their innovations [https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/us-jury-says-apple-must-pay-masimo-634-million-in-smartwatch-patent-case/article70282779.ece].