Smart Rings: The Future of Wearable Tech?
▼ Summary
– The US International Trade Commission banned RingConn and Ultrahuman from importing smart rings into the US after ruling they infringed on an Oura patent.
– The patent in question, the 178 patent, protects a broad hardware design for smart rings, leading to widespread legal disputes in the industry.
– Oura has pursued licensing agreements with some competitors like Circular, RingConn, and Omate, allowing them to continue US sales.
– Oura has also filed new patent complaints against major companies including Samsung, Reebok, Zepp Health, and Nexxbase.
– Ultrahuman, which differentiates itself by not requiring a subscription, emphasizes that future success will depend on innovation and new features.
The landscape for smart rings and wearable health technology has shifted significantly following a major patent ruling, leaving consumers with fewer options and reshaping the competitive field. A recent decision by the US International Trade Commission has effectively barred several prominent smart ring brands from importing new devices into the American market. This action stemmed from a patent infringement case filed by Oura, the current market leader, against its rivals RingConn and Ultrahuman. The ruling centered on a specific hardware design patent, creating substantial hurdles for other companies trying to enter or expand in this growing sector.
For Ultrahuman, the ban was a particularly sharp blow. The company had been preparing to scale up its US manufacturing operations to meet rising demand and navigate new tariff regulations. Unlike Oura, which requires a monthly subscription fee from its users, Ultrahuman’s model offers its health-tracking ring without an ongoing cost. The company’s chief business officer, Bhuvan Srinivasan, emphasized that innovation remains their core focus despite the legal setback. With a background in biomedical engineering, Srinivasan believes that the rapid pace of technological progress will ultimately decide which companies succeed, underscoring the critical role of intellectual property in this competitive space.
The patent in question, known as the 178 patent, covers a broad hardware design concept involving a layered ring structure that houses internal electronic components. This description is intentionally wide, potentially encompassing the basic architecture of nearly any modern smart ring. This breadth has fueled ongoing legal disputes across the industry for several years. The outcomes have varied: Oura reached a licensing agreement with the French company Circular, allowing them to continue US sales, and later settled with RingConn and another firm, Omate. In a separate preemptive move, Samsung filed suit against Oura to guard against future claims, though a judge dismissed that case. Oura subsequently filed complaints against Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, along with products from Reebok, Zepp Health, and Nexxbase.
Beyond litigation, Oura has continued to advance its own product line. The company recently introduced a new ceramic ring collection and a dedicated charging case. It also announced plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Texas, primarily to support a substantial contract with its largest enterprise client, the US Department of Defense. While Oura’s latest ring remains a top choice for many, the patent battles have undeniably narrowed the field for consumers. The situation highlights the fierce competition and complex legal terrain defining the future of wearable health tech, where protecting intellectual property is just as crucial as launching innovative features.
(Source: Wired)
