Oura Sues Ultrahuman Again to Block Ring Pro in US
Oura has filed a fresh patent infringement lawsuit in a Texas federal court against rival Ultrahuman, targeting its latest smart ring device.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
New Legal Action Over the Ring Pro
Smart ring maker Oura has filed a new lawsuit in a Texas federal court against its competitor Ultrahuman over the startup's latest wearable device, the Ring Pro. According to Oura, the device violates two of its patents covering internal components and design elements. The legal action follows an earlier dispute that successfully blocked sales of the Ring Air product in the United States.
Oura is seeking both monetary damages and a permanent injunction to halt the sale of the device in the American market. In a public statement via a company blog post, Oura asserted that Ultrahuman's redesign still incorporates patented technologies and intellectual property belonging to the Finland-based firm.
Background on the US Market Return
India-based Ultrahuman previously encountered a major hurdle when the US International Trade Commission ruled that its Ring Air infringed on several Oura patents, resulting in an import ban. While that model remained available in Europe and international regions, Ultrahuman subsequently worked on a redesigned version.
The modified wearable subsequently received approval from US Customs and Border Protection earlier in the year, facilitating the company's comeback in the United States. However, Oura maintains that the regulatory clearance only addressed previous patent concerns rather than the specific innovations cited in the fresh litigation.
Details of the Newly Issued Patents
The latest complaint highlights two separate patents, including one issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office just two days before the lawsuit was filed. This particular patent broadly covers smart ring configurations incorporating a housing, battery, and specialized internal layout.
Reporting from TechCrunch noted that the case also names the Texas-based electronics manufacturing company SVTronics as a co-defendant. SVTronics produces the smart rings at a facility located in Plano, Texas, operating under the direction of Ultrahuman.
Ultrahuman Responds to the Litigation
Addressing the new legal challenge, Ultrahuman co-founder and CEO Mohit Kumar stated that the company would defend its position through the proper legal channels. He noted that the litigation asserts entirely different patents, including one issued immediately prior to the court filing.
Ultrahuman confirmed that the device remains available for purchase to customers in the United States, as no active court order currently restricts its distribution while the legal proceedings move forward.
Broader Legal Landscape for Oura
Oura has been active across various fronts within the technology sector, capturing headlines recently for a partnership involving a Palantir hosting environment with the US military. Beyond Ultrahuman, Oura has engaged in patent disputes and litigation with multiple other prominent wearable technology manufacturers.
Similar intellectual property disputes involving competitors have occasionally concluded through licensing arrangements or royalty agreements. Meanwhile, Oura's ongoing rivalry with Ultrahuman continues to shape the competitive landscape of the smart ring industry.
Sources
- EngadgetOura sues Ultrahuman (again) to block its latest smart ring from the US market
- TechCrunchOura sues rival Ultrahuman again, threatening its U.S. smart ring comeback
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