U.S. ITC Denies Masimo's Request to Reinstate Apple Watch Import Ban

The long-running patent dispute over the Apple Watch's blood oxygen sensor has taken another turn.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:13pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D macro illustration of the Apple Watch's blood oxygen sensor, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the intricate hardware components. The image conceptually represents the technological innovation at the center of the legal dispute between the two companies.The Apple Watch's blood oxygen sensor at the heart of the ongoing legal battle between Apple and Masimo.California City Today

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has denied a request by medical technology firm Masimo to reinstate an import ban on the Apple Watch. The ITC previously ruled that Apple's software workaround for the blood oxygen feature did not infringe on Masimo's patents, and it has now closed the case, rejecting Masimo's attempt to have the ban reinstated.

Why it matters

This is the latest development in a years-long legal battle between Apple and Masimo over the Apple Watch's blood oxygen monitoring capabilities. The ITC's decision ensures that Apple can continue offering this health feature to its users, despite Masimo's efforts to restrict it through patent infringement claims.

The details

In 2020, Masimo filed a lawsuit against Apple in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the Apple Watch infringed on its blood oxygen sensor patents. Masimo later filed a complaint with the ITC, which resulted in a ban on U.S. imports of infringing Apple Watches in 2023. However, Apple was able to bypass the ban by releasing a software update that disabled the blood oxygen feature in the United States. The ITC has now determined that this software workaround does not infringe on Masimo's patents, and it has denied Masimo's request to reinstate the import ban.

  • In 2020, Masimo filed a lawsuit against Apple in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
  • In 2021, Masimo filed a complaint with the ITC.
  • In 2023, the ITC ruled in favor of Masimo, resulting in a ban on U.S. imports of infringing Apple Watches.
  • In January 2024, Apple's software update convinced U.S. Customs and Border Protection that the Apple Watch was no longer infringing.
  • On April 17, 2026, the ITC declined to review its preliminary ruling and closed the case.

The players

Masimo

A medical technology company that specializes in noninvasive patient monitoring solutions, including blood oxygen sensors.

Apple

The technology giant that produces the Apple Watch, which includes a blood oxygen sensor feature that Masimo claims infringes on its patents.

U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC)

The federal agency that investigates claims of unfair trade practices, including patent infringement, and has the authority to issue import bans.

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What they’re saying

“We thank the ITC for its decision, which ensures we can continue to offer this important health feature to our users. For more than six years, Masimo has waged a relentless legal campaign against Apple, and nearly all of its claims have been rejected. We will always defend our innovations, and remain focused on what we do best: delivering the best products and services in the world for our users.”

— Apple Spokesperson

What’s next

Masimo is still able to appeal the ITC's decision to the U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit, so this legal battle may continue.

The takeaway

The ITC's decision to deny Masimo's request to reinstate the import ban on the Apple Watch is a significant win for Apple, as it allows the company to continue offering the blood oxygen feature to its users. However, the long-running dispute between the two companies is likely not over, as Masimo may still pursue further legal action.