A mistrial has been declared in a trial between Apple Inc. and Masimo Corp. over Apple’s purported misuse of stolen trade secrets.
Masimo issued proceedings against Apple on grounds Apple misused confidential information relating to technology which enables watches to read the user’s heart rates and blood oxygen levels. Those technology features are available in the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8.
However, a mistrial has been declared following the jurors inability to return a unanimous verdict in the matter. Counsel for Masimo argued representatives for Masimo met with representatives for Apple back in 2013 with a view to integrating its technology into Apple products. No agreement for the same was ever reached.
Following that meeting, Apple allegedly poached two executives, one from Masimo and another from Ceracor Laboratories (a company linked to Masimo). Masimo contend those executives took their inside knowledge of the technology to Apple which ultimately resulted in Apple incorporating it into their smartwatches, without Masimo’s permission. In defence, Apple argued that Masimo were simply using the proceedings to quell competition for their own smartwatches.
Masimo are said to be “disappointed that the jury was unable to reach a verdict” and intend to retry the case. They are seeking more than £1.4 billion (approximately $1.8 billion) in damages.
If you have any questions on the above, please do not hesitate to contact the team at McDaniels Law on 0191 281 4000 or legal@mcdanielslaw.com
