Oura sues rival Ultrahuman again, threatening its U.S. smart ring comeback

Oura sues again

Oura filed a new patent lawsuit against Ultrahuman in a federal court in Texas. Oura says the Ring Pro copies parts of two of its patents. These cover the ring's design and its inside parts, such as the battery and sensors. Oura wants money for the harm and a permanent order that would stop the ring from being sold. It also named SVTronics, a Texas electronics maker that builds the Ring Pro, as a defendant.

Key facts

• The Ring Pro launched in February and got a favorable U.S. customs ruling in March.
• One patent, 12,769,363, was issued to Oura on October 20. The lawsuit was filed just two days later.
• IDC expects global smart ring shipments to rise 12.8% this year, to 4.9 million units.
• IDC expects about 6.3 million units by 2030.

A long fight

Oura and Ultrahuman have fought over patents since 2023. An earlier import ban stopped sales of Ultrahuman's Ring Air in the U.S. after Oura won a ruling from the U.S. International Trade Commission. Ultrahuman then returned to the U.S. market with a redesigned ring. Oura has also filed patent cases against Samsung, RingConn, Circular, and Zepp Health.

Why it matters

The case could decide whether Ultrahuman can keep selling in the U.S. market. It also shows how hard companies fight over smart ring designs. Ultrahuman says it is confident in the Ring Pro and will defend it. It also says no court order blocks the ring right now.

What to watch

• Whether the court orders a stop to Ring Pro sales while the case goes on.
• How Ultrahuman responds to the two new patents.
• Whether Ultrahuman and Oura reach a licensing deal, as some rivals have done.