Oura sues Ultrahuman (again) to block its latest smart ring from the US market
Oura has filed a new patent lawsuit against Ultrahuman in a Texas federal court, seeking damages and an order to stop US sales of the Ring Pro. The case matters because a previous Oura suit led to a US sales ban on Ultrahuman’s Ring Air, and the new claim could threaten the availability of its successor.
Oura alleges that the Ring Pro infringes two patents covering its design and internal components, including one granted just two days before the suit was filed. Ultrahuman says it redesigned the ring, received US Customs and Border Protection approval earlier this year, and will defend itself; the Ring Pro remains on sale. Oura has also named SVTronics, which makes the US-market rings at its Texas plant, as a defendant.
In short
- Oura is suing over Ultrahuman’s Ring Pro.
- The lawsuit seeks to stop US sales and obtain damages.
- Ultrahuman says it will fight the claims.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Oura can argue that patents protect investment in design and technology, and that enforcing them is necessary to preserve fair competition. If the Ring Pro uses protected features without permission, seeking damages and a sales injunction through the courts is a legitimate way to address that alleged infringement.
The case against
Ultrahuman can argue that it redesigned the Ring Pro and obtained US Customs approval, giving it a good-faith basis to sell the product while the dispute is resolved. A new lawsuit, particularly one relying in part on a recently granted patent, could restrict consumer choice and competition before a court has determined whether infringement occurred.
Explained simply
Oura and Ultrahuman are companies that make smart rings: wearable devices that track health and activity data, such as sleep and movement. Both sell in the United States, where patent disputes can affect whether a product is allowed to remain on sale.
Oura has previously taken legal action over Ultrahuman’s Ring Air, resulting in a US sales ban. Ultrahuman says it redesigned the newer Ring Pro and received approval from US Customs and Border Protection; it says it will defend the new case.
The dispute centres on whether the Ring Pro uses technology or design protected by Oura’s patents. SVTronics, which makes rings for the US market at its Texas plant, is also named in the case, so the outcome could affect both the product’s US availability and its manufacturer.