The smart ring market has undergone significant shifts recently, largely due to aggressive patent enforcement by Oura. Since late 2023, several competitors have faced import bans in the US following a ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) that found them infringing on Oura’s patents related to smart ring hardware design. This move has reshaped the competitive landscape, raising questions about innovation, market access, and the future of wearable health tracking.
The Patent Battles: Why Rings Were Banned
The ITC ruled against RingConn and Ultrahuman after Oura alleged they violated its patent (patent 178), which protects a specific ring hardware design. The patent description is broad enough to cover many smart rings, making it a powerful tool for Oura in legal disputes.
This highlights a critical issue: foundational patents can stifle competition by blocking access to core technologies, even if the technology itself is relatively simple.
Over the past few years, multiple manufacturers have faced similar disputes over this patent. Oura has strategically approached the conflicts: licensing agreements with Circular and RingConn allow continued sales, while legal action against Samsung, Reebok, Zepp Health, and Nexxbase maintains its dominant position.
The strategy is clear: control access to the market through patents, then dictate terms to competitors.
How Companies Are Adapting
Competitors like Ultrahuman are adapting by focusing on innovation to circumvent patent restrictions. The company’s chief business officer, Bhuvan Srinivasan, emphasizes that rapid innovation is the key to success.
This suggests the industry is entering a phase where companies must constantly evolve their designs to avoid legal challenges.
Ultrahuman has also prioritized software development, as the ITC has no jurisdiction over software. This includes features like “Blood Vision,” which offers subscription-free blood biomarker tracking, directly competing with Oura and Whoop.
The Oura Strategy: Dominance Through Innovation and Legal Means
Oura has doubled down on its legal protection while simultaneously releasing new products, including a ceramic ring collection and plans for a US manufacturing facility to support the Department of Defense. The company’s legal officer, Avonte Campinha-Bacote, states Oura will continue to invest heavily in research and development.
The move to expand into enterprise customers—like the DoD—suggests a long-term strategy beyond consumer sales, further solidifying Oura’s position.
The Future of Smart Rings
The smart ring industry is rapidly evolving, and the current patent landscape may soon become obsolete as companies develop new designs. Ultrahuman is pushing forward with subscription-free services and a customizable app store called PowerPlugs, allowing users to control which health features drain battery life.
The long-term success of smart rings will depend on balancing legal protection with rapid innovation. Companies must either navigate the patent maze or design around it to stay competitive. The current situation underscores the importance of intellectual property in emerging technologies and how it can shape entire markets.
