Apple’s interest in medical device entrepreneur Joe Kiani and his company Masimo initially sparked excitement in Kiani. Having built Masimo into a prominent player in pulse oximetry, Kiani saw Apple’s interest as an opportunity to showcase their innovation on a larger scale. However, what began as promising collaboration soon turned into a legal battle. Kiani accused Apple of patent infringement and stealing trade secrets. If successful, Kiani’s case could potentially prevent Apple Watches from being imported to the US. The complaint alleges that Apple had planned to obtain or imitate Masimo’s technology without compensating Kiani. Instead of acquiring Masimo, Apple aimed to poach its talent, a strategy referred to as “smart recruiting.” Two former top executives from Masimo were hired by Apple, followed by several other employees. Kiani, unlike many others faced with Apple’s dominance, decided to fight back, spending $60 million on the legal battle so far. His goal is to prevent smaller companies from being steamrolled by Apple, ensure that consumers receive reliable technology, and hold Apple accountable for its actions. The court, which has already ruled in Kiani’s favor, will make its final decision this month. Kiani wants to set an example of how powerful tech companies protect their interests at any cost.
Apple, like other major tech giants, is not an entirely original entity. It relies on a patchwork of ideas, talent, and products from other companies. Steve Jobs, Apple’s co-founder, famously stated that “good artists copy; great artists steal,” suggesting that Apple would not shy away from emulating or taking ideas from competitors. Apple’s history includes acquiring Xerox PARC’s technologies, such as the graphical user interface, and claiming them as their own. This practice of acquiring or imitating technologies from others is common among tech companies seeking to dominate the market. Another example of this is Apple’s claim of inventing multitouch for the iPhone when the technology had been developed by FingerWorks and acquired by Apple. This pattern highlights how tech companies present themselves as innovators while relying on others’ ideas. Although legal, this behavior raises questions about the true origins of these companies’ technologies.
Apple is not alone in its expansion strategies. Other tech giants, such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon, have also acquired or imitated competitors to establish their dominance. However, these practices become problematic when smaller companies are targeted or exploited. Many founders and executives feel that Apple’s interest can often lead to the demise of their companies. This trend of monopolization and cloning in the tech industry raises concerns about the future of innovation.
Joe Kiani’s case against Apple serves as a significant example of the power dynamics between tech giants and smaller companies. It sheds light on the practices used by powerful companies to protect their interests and stifle competition. Kiani’s determination to hold Apple accountable and ensure fair treatment for smaller companies resonates with those who value ethical behavior in the tech industry.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
