Cardiologist Joseph Wiesel from New York University is suing Apple, claiming the company used his patented heartbeat-monitoring technology after he told Apple about it (via Bloomberg).
Heartbeat-Monitoring
Dr. Wiesel was granted a patent in 2006 for a “method of and apparatus for detecting atrial fibrillation.” His technology uses sensors and light to detect heart rhythms. In his lawsuit he says he sent details of the patent to Apple after the release of the Apple Watch Series 3. The Apple Watch Series 4 was released a year later, with the ability to detect atrial fibrillation.
Dr. Wiesel seeks royalties from Apple for using his patent in the Apple Watch, and wants the company to stop using his patent without permission.
Further Reading
[Latest Jeff Williams Interview Centers on Heart Health]
[Apple Watch Series 4 Review: Bigger Screen and a Whole Lot More]
I’ve heard that most companies refuse to even look at information of this type when it comes unsolicited. Since we don’t know any details on any communication between the two parties, my question would be: why would anyone send details of a patentable/patented technology to a company that is obviously moving in the same direction? I’m sure that Apple must be working with someone in the field to come up with the techniques; would they have even looked at his communication?