On September 21st, 2018, Apple released the Series 4, the first smartwatch with a built-in sensor capable of taking an accurate electrocardiogram (ECG). Now onto the 5th series of watches, Apple still produces the only smartwatch capable of taking an ECG. However, before Apple released a smartwatch with built in ECG capability, AliveCor, a small private company, had released an ECG watch band for the earlier Apple watches that lacked the capability. While Apple has very few patents in the sector of AI-powered Cardiovascular monitoring, AliveCor boasts a robust patent portfolio with numerous applications and granted patents.
Currently, Apple's ECG system utilizes only a single-lead sensor. AliveCors' on the other hand offers the only FDA-cleared personal hand-held 6-lead ECG. The more leads an ECG has, the more information it can provide and the more cardiovascular disorders it can detect. Current applications in AliveCor's portfolio indicate that the company is working to expand the detection capabilities of its current 6-lead system. While AliveCor is leading the way in mobile, personal, ECG equipment, Apple leads the field in health-oriented smart watches. As AliveCor continues to build a diverse portfolio focusing on AI-powered ECG devices, Apple may decide to attempt to acquire the company in an effort to build even more capable smart devices. Apple has very little IP in the AI Biotech sector in general.
Other companies that may be eyeing AliveCor include Omron Healthcare Co., a publicly traded Japanese company who, along with the Mayo Clinic, invested $30 million in AliveCor in 2017. Omron already sells AliveCor branded portable ECG products on its website. A quick glance of the Magic Number's AI Biotech/Diagnostic Patent Forecast ® reveals that Omron has had no patent activity in the sector since 2006. However, its $30 million investment into AliveCor indicates that it may be helping AliveCor build up their patent portfolio before making an offer to purchase the company outright. By the way, Omron is very big in Collaborative Robots.
