A long-standing patent dispute between Apple and Masimo over blood oxygen technology in the Apple Watch may be nearing a resolution with the recent resignation of Masimo’s CEO, Joe Kiani. Earlier this year, the Cueprtino-based tech giant was ordered to remove the blood oxygen feature from upcoming Apple Watch models in the US due to this patent dispute. However, the recent resignation of the medical equipment maker’s CEO may open up possibilities for a resolution between the two companies, potentially leading to the return of blood oxygen measurement features in the upcoming Apple Watch models.
Why the Apple Watch models in the US doesn’t include the blood oxygen feature
The conflict started when Massimo alleged that Apple used meetings with the company to poach its employees, including their chief medical officer, instead of pursuing a collaboration in 2013.Masimo accused Apple of stealing their patented technology, which they claim to have invented.
This dispute escalated into a legal battle, for which Apple was banned from including blood oxygen measurements in upcoming Apple Watch models sold in the US. However, the lawsuit itself had mixed results, with some of Masimo’s claims being rejected and a retrial pending on the remaining claims.
However, Kiani’s resignation may potentially lead to a shift in Masimo’s approach to the dispute, possibly opening doors for a settlement that could see the return of blood oxygen monitoring in upcoming Apple Watch models.
How Massimo CEO’s resignation can change things
The patent dispute between Apple and Masimo over blood oxygen technology has been a stalemate until now as both companies refused to budge. Apple said that it wouldn’t license the technology while Masimo’s former CEO, Joe Kiani, wasn’t ready to sell it.
However, Kiani’s resignation and replacement by Michelle Brennan could signal a change in direction. This leadership change may lead to a more conciliatory approach from Masimo, potentially opening the door for a resolution.
But even if Masimo is willing to license the technology, Apple has been equally resistant to licensing it. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests a potential win-win solution where a licensing agreement could be reached without any financial exchange.
In his latest newsletter, Gurman wrote: “I don’t believe Apple will want to reach a licensing agreement, but I could imagine a deal — financial or not — that lets the two sides drop all litigation […] Apple could agree to work with Masimo on integrating that company’s popular hospital equipment with the Health app.”
This compromise would not only restore blood oxygen measurement to the Apple Watch but also integrate Masimo’s hospital equipment with Apple Health data. This integration would incentivise hospitals to upgrade to Masimo’s latest devices and eventually boost its sales.