US Trade Court Dismisses Masimo’s Preliminary Lawsuit Against Apple Over Watch Pulse Oximeter

• March 20, 2026

A United States federal court specializing in international trade has dismissed an initial legal challenge filed by Masimo, a medical technology company, against Apple. The lawsuit focused on claims that Apple Watch’s pulse oximeter feature infringes on Masimo’s intellectual property rights.

Masimo had alleged that Apple’s use of pulse oximeter technology within its smartwatch violated its patents. However, the court opted to reject the claims during preliminary hearings, thereby blocking the progress of the case at this early stage.

Ongoing Legal Conflict Over Pulse Oximeter Technology

Despite this early dismissal, the legal confrontation between the two companies is far from resolved. Masimo could still pursue additional legal avenues or revisions to its claims to continue challenging Apple’s technology. The court’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit at the preliminary phase does not signify a final judgment on the merits of the allegations.

This case highlights the growing tensions within the technology and health sectors, as wearable devices increasingly integrate medical features that rely on patented inventions. The pulse oximeter, a sensor that measures blood oxygen saturation levels, has become a standard component in many commercial smartwatches, including Apple’s popular Apple Watch lineup.

The innovation in wearable health devices places companies like Apple in a complex position, balancing rapid product development with the risk of intellectual property disputes. Masimo’s attempts to protect its patents demonstrate the ongoing challenge of navigating patent rights in cutting-edge technology markets.

As Apple continues to expand health functionalities within its devices, patent conflicts with medical technology companies may intensify, underlining the competitive and legal pressures operating in this space. Market watchers anticipate further developments in this case and others like it as companies seek to assert control over key technological components embedded in health-oriented wearables.

The broader implications of such disputes could shape how health sensors and diagnostic tools are incorporated into consumer electronics, potentially impacting future innovation strategies in the wearable technology industry.

Apple has not publicly commented on the court’s recent decision. Details about subsequent steps by Masimo or additional proceedings have not been disclosed.

A US federal trade court has rejected Masimo’s initial lawsuit claiming Apple Watch pulse oximeter infringes its patents, but the dispute continues.