Apple wins latest round of Masimo lawsuit as ITC ends Apple Watch import ban case

Apple just scored an important victory in its ongoing battle with Masimo over patents related to the technology apple watchblood oxygen characteristics. Here are the details.

some background

Apple and health tech company Masimo have been locked in a heated legal battle over health issues over the past few years. apple watchblood oxygen sensor.

After multiple rulings and appeals, Apple had to be deactivated Tech on Apple Watch sold in US to avoid ban, eventually phased out Develop redesigned version The feature moves much of the process to the iPhone, using data collected by the Apple Watch.

That’s enough for Apple to resume sales, according to the International Trade Commission apple watch models with the feature enabled in the U.S. because the agency concluded it did not infringe Masimo’s patents.

Of course, Masimo disagreed and filed a petition arguing that Apple’s redesign still fell within the scope of the existing exclusion order, while also challenging U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s decision to approve the updated watch.

As we discussed, this led to two recent decisions here:

• First, ITC Administrative Law Judge Monica Bhattacharyya found in a preliminary ruling that Apple’s redesigned Apple Watch blood oxygen function did not infringe Masimo’s patent.
• Secondly, the Federal Circuit affirmed the ITC’s preliminary exclusion order, which means that the original version of the blood oxygen function on Apple Watch is still banned in the United States.

Following those rulings, the final step was for the full committee to decide whether to review the administrative law judge’s ruling on non-infringement, which brings us to today.

ITC refuses to review

Earlier today, the International Trade Commission declined to review a ruling earlier today, effectively ending the case and denying Masimo’s request to reinstate the patent rights. apple watch in import.

Judging from the decision, ALJ refers to the Chief Administrative Law Judge, EID refers to the Enforcement Preliminary Determination, and LEO refers to the Limited Exclusion Order:

On March 18, 2026, the administrative law judge issued an EID, ultimately concluding that the accused redesigned product did not infringe the claims of the asserted patent. On March 25, 2026, Masimo and Apple submitted EID review petitions to the Commission.

On March 30, 2026, both parties filed responses to their respective petitions. The committee has decided not to review the EID. The consolidated proceedings are hereby terminated in their entirety, concluding that the alleged redesigned products do not infringe the asserted patents and, therefore, should not be excluded under the terms of the LEO.

Apple said in a statement to 9to5Mac:

We appreciate the ITC’s decision, which ensures we can continue to provide this important health feature to our users. For more than six years, Masimo waged a relentless legal battle against Apple, with nearly all of its claims dismissed. We will always defend our innovation and continue to focus on what we do best: providing our users with the best products and services in the world.

The company added that it is excited to continue offering the redesigned blood oxygen feature to U.S. users, along with other health features such as an EKG app, high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat notifications.

Apple also highlighted the research and work its teams put into developing and delivering health, wellness and safety features. apple watch and other products while maintaining a strong focus on privacy.

Massimo can still appeal the decision.

You can read the full ITC decision from today below:

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