U.S. Customs Approves Apple Watch Imports Amid Ongoing Patent Battle with Masimo

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In an eyebrow-raising move for Washington and boardrooms alike, U.S. Customs approved Apple Watch imports while the devices’ technology is under legal dispute with medical tech company Masimo. Here’s why this matters for the U.S. legal system, corporate America, and the fight to protect intellectual property.

A Borderline Scandal

Masimo is suing U.S. Customs after the agency allowed Apple to bring in watches featuring “Pulse Ox” — a technology that measures blood oxygen levels in health monitoring devices — despite Masimo claiming Apple is stealing its patents. The Customs had previously blocked these imports in 2023, following a U.S. International Trade Commission decision that agreed Masimo’s patents were indeed being infringed. Suddenly reversing course without notifying Masimo, Customs has now greenlit Apple’s blood-oxygen watch features, leaving Masimo scrambling to protect its rights in court.

Implications for the Legal System and U.S. Business

This casts a shadow over the U.S. legal and administrative system. When Customs appears to ignore court-backed patent enforcement, it sends a troubling signal to innovators: even in America, your IP rights may not be fully protected. For companies, this could accelerate talent and tech moving overseas, deepening the ongoing brain drain and prompting businesses to rethink the U.S. as a secure market for proprietary innovations.

Stay Ahead of Legal Shifts

For companies navigating patent disputes or intellectual property concerns, proactive legal guidance can make all the difference. Contact KOREJZOVA LEGAL today for a consultation and ensure your innovations—and your business—are fully protected!

Sources

Text: Brittain, Blake. ‘Masimo Sues US Customs over Approval of Apple Watch Imports’. Reuters, 21 Aug. 2025. Litigation. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/masimo-sues-us-customs-over-approval-apple-watch-imports-2025-08-20/.

Photo: 'Person in Blue Long Sleeve Shirt Using Smart Watch' by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-blue-long-sleeve-shirt-using-smart-watch-267391/