Apple Inc. has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which upheld the International Trade Commission’s (ITC) finding that certain Apple Watch models infringed patents held by Masimo Corporation. Apple contends that the Federal Circuit improperly lowered the threshold for establishing a domestic industry in patent disputes, a key requirement under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
The dispute centers on Masimo’s patents related to blood oxygen monitoring technology. In October 2023, the ITC determined that Apple violated Section 337 by importing and selling Apple Watch models incorporating this technology, leading to a limited exclusion order barring the importation of the infringing devices. Apple appealed this decision, but the Federal Circuit affirmed the ITC’s findings in March 2026, maintaining the exclusion order. ([ipwatchdog.com](https://ipwatchdog.com/2026/03/23/federal-circuit-affirms-itc-finding-apple-watch-infringes-masimo-blood-oxygen-patents/?utm_source=openai))
In response to the exclusion order, Apple redesigned the blood oxygen feature in its Apple Watch, shifting the processing of blood oxygen data from the watch to a paired iPhone. This redesign was intended to circumvent the patents in question. In March 2026, an ITC Administrative Law Judge ruled that the redesigned feature did not infringe Masimo’s patents. The full Commission declined to review this determination in April 2026, effectively closing the case and allowing Apple to continue importing and selling the redesigned Apple Watch models in the U.S. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/17/apple-wins-latest-round-in-masimo-fight-as-itc-closes-apple-watch-import-ban-case/?utm_source=openai))
Despite these developments, Apple is seeking Supreme Court intervention to address what it perceives as a misapplication of the domestic industry requirement by the Federal Circuit. The company argues that the appellate court’s decision could have broader implications for how domestic industry is evaluated in future patent disputes before the ITC.
As of September 10, 2026, Apple Inc. (AAPL) shares are trading at $326.57, reflecting a 3.57% increase from the previous close. Masimo Corporation (MASI) shares are trading at $179.95, with minimal change from the previous close.
The Supreme Court’s decision on whether to grant certiorari in this case could have significant ramifications for the interpretation of domestic industry requirements in ITC proceedings and the broader landscape of patent enforcement in the United States.