The suit alleges that Oura has a history of targeting competitors with patent suits based on generic features common to smart rings. These features include sensors, electronics, batteries, and metrics-based scores. Samsung’s legal team points to cases where Oura has sued competitors like Ultrahuman, Circular, and RingConn, often before these companies even entered the US market.
Samsung’s legal filing underscores a pattern of behavior from Oura aimed at protecting its intellectual property aggressively. Shortly after the announcement of the Galaxy Ring, Oura issued statements emphasizing the robustness of its IP portfolio, with 100 granted patents, 270 pending applications, and over 130 registered trademarks. In a CNBC interview, Oura CEO Tom Hale mentioned the company’s intention to monitor Samsung’s product closely and take appropriate action if necessary.
The lawsuit also reveals we can expect the Galaxy Ring sometime in August. The document mentions that the hardware design was finalized in mid-May, with mass production set to begin in mid-June. An August launch is anticipated for the US market, featuring an “Energy Score” in the Samsung Health app based on sleep, activity, heart rate, and heart rate variability metrics.
This legal confrontation highlights the competitive nature of the smart ring market, which has been relatively quiet until now. Oura, a leader in the smart ring market, faces a significant challenge with Samsung’s entry. Samsung’s vast gadget ecosystem and brand recognition make it a formidable competitor, unlike the smaller, lesser-known smart ring makers Oura has previously contested. A court ruling in Samsung’s favor could shift the balance in the market, providing smaller companies with leverage against Oura.
Samsung’s foray into the smart ring sector indicates a growing interest in this wearable technology. Oura has ramped up its efforts, releasing multiple software updates and expanding its sales channels to major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Amazon, likely in response to the looming competition.
For more details, read the full story on The Verge.