At a Glance
- The ITC banned RingConn and Ultrahuman from importing new rings into the US after ruling they infringed on Oura’s patent 178.
- Oura has since signed licensing deals with Circular, RingConn, and Omate, while continuing litigation against Samsung, Reebok, Zepp Health, and Nexxbase.
- Ultrahuman keeps US users connected with free app updates and a new free blood-panel service, Blood Vision.
- Why it matters: The legal wins narrow consumer choice, but rapid hardware evolution and fresh software features could reopen the market soon.
The smart ring aisle in the US just got smaller. After Oura’s victory at the International Trade Commission, rival brands must either redesign or stay out. Yet innovation hasn’t stopped-companies are doubling down on new sensors, app features, and licensing talks.
The Patent That Changed Everything
Patent 178 covers a layered ring architecture that houses electronics inside concentric shells. Critics say the language is so broad it could cover almost any smart ring.
Timeline of key events:
- October 21, 2023 – Import ban on RingConn and Ultrahuman takes effect
- 2024 – Oura licenses Circular; Samsung sues preemptively and loses; Oura files new complaints against Galaxy Ring, Reebok, Amazfit, and Luna Ring
- Late 2024 – RingConn and Omate sign licensing agreements, allowing US sales to resume
- CES 2025 – Ultrahuman makes its basic Blood Vision blood-panel service free, checking 20 biomarkers at no cost
Where Competitors Stand Today
Ultrahuman’s next steps:
- Existing US customers keep receiving updates; hardware works normally
- New software, like PowerPlugs, lets users toggle metrics to save battery
- Subscription-free model remains intact, contrasting with Oura’s $6 monthly fee
Oura’s response:
> “Patent 178 is just one of many in our portfolio. We’ll keep investing in R&D to raise the bar.”
> – Alison Deasy, Director of Communications, Oura
Ultrahuman’s take:
> “Innovation speed and new features will decide long-term winners.”
> – Bhuvan Srinivasan, Chief Business Officer, Ultrahuman
What Shoppers Can Expect
| Brand | US Status | Monthly Cost | Latest Feature Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oura | Full sales | $6 | Ceramic Ring 4, DoD contract |
| RingConn | Licensed, selling | $0 | Post-ban import clearance |
| Ultrahuman | Hardware banned | $0 | Free Blood Vision panel |
| Circular | Licensed, selling | $0 | Ring 2 (licensed deal) |
| Samsung | Under ITC case | TBD | Galaxy Ring (litigation pending) |
Battery life is becoming a key spec. As rings track more metrics, endurance drops; customizable tracking through app stores like PowerPlugs may help users strike a balance.
Key Takeaways
- Oura’s legal campaign reshaped the US landscape, but licensing deals are reopening doors
- Hardware bans may expire as new designs circumvent older patents
- Software keeps Ultrahuman alive here, with free health tests and modular features
- Consumers want screen-free, wrist-free trackers; demand is expected to keep rising
Expect more redesigns, fresh partnerships, and app-first features while courts and engineers race to define the next generation of rings.
