Masimo scored a legal victory in its six-year patent battle against Apple over Apple Watch blood oxygen sensors, though the win appears hollow as the court won't reinstate the import ban. The appeals court affirmed the International Trade Commission ruling that Apple violated patents but clarified Apple's software update sufficiently addresses the infringement.

The dispute centers on technology that allows Apple Watch models to measure blood oxygen levels. Masimo originally sought a complete ban on Apple Watch sales after claiming Apple stole trade secrets. Last year, $634 million jury verdict went to Masimo, though Apple vehemently disputes that decision and plans to appeal.

Apple disabled the problematic blood oxygen feature through a software update, which US Customs accepted as sufficient remedy. With the patents potentially expiring in less than three years, both companies continue their legal battle despite the recent developments in the case.