Exploring the Current Landscape of Smart Rings

Since the ruling last year, obtaining health-monitoring rings on the market has become more challenging as of October 2025.

In August, a decision by the US International Trade Commission favored Oura in a patent dispute. Oura claimed that competitors like RingConn and Ultrahuman violated their patent for a health and fitness tracking smart ring, a victory that has stopped these companies from bringing new rings into the country.

The Consequences of the ITC Ruling

This ruling has significantly impacted RingConn and Ultrahuman, with the latter planning expansion strategies to tap into growing demand, despite the restrictive US tariffs. A key distinction of Ultrahuman from Oura is the absence of a subscription fee, offering more cost-effective access for its users.

The Legal Barriers to Smart Ring Sales

The trade commission found that the designs from RingConn and Ultrahuman mimicked those protected by Oura’s patents. This primarily concerns a unique design integrating layered hardware housed within intricate components—a typecasting broad enough to encompass nearly all electronic smart rings.

For several years, companies producing these rings have faced numerous legal challenges regarding this patent. Oura, in 2024, brokered a licensing deal with Circular allowing them to continue offering their smart rings stateside, illustrating Oura's domineering influence in the realm.

Tech giant Samsung also got caught in similar crossfires with later dismissals of their attempts to fend off future patent claims. Oura's aggressive legal tactics continued with actions against multiple major brands, including Samsung, Reebok, and others, eventually leading to strategic settlements allowing Omate to stay in the business legally.

Advancements and Innovations Amid Contested Waters

Oura's activities aren't solely mired in litigation; they are investing significantly in innovation. A new line of rings and enhanced facilities, particularly for key partners like the US Department of Defense, exhibit their adaptive strategies.

Ultrahuman also keeps pushing forward. Their Chief Business Officer, Bhuvan Srinivasan, highlights the critical role intellectual property and rapid evolution play in staying competitive. With relentless development, the company continues to enhance US-based users' experiences, unfazed by import bans.

Ultrahuman’s product doesn’t just halt at hardware; software integrations continue to improve. Their app introduces pivotal features like "Blood Vision," varying service levels providing health insights and accessible checks.

Competing in a Growing Arena

As the smart ring sector expands, it is becoming clear that no single entity can dominate consumer demand. These rings offer lightweight, screen-free health tracking advantages, appealing for their simplicity and efficiency over traditional wrist devices.