Oura’s ITC Patent War Against Samsung: What Smart Ring Buyers Should Do Right Now (2026)
Oura has pulled the trigger on the nuclear option. The Finnish smart ring maker filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) seeking to block imports of smart rings from Samsung, Reebok, Zepp Health (Amazfit), and Nexxbase (Luna). If Oura wins, Samsung’s Galaxy Ring could be pulled from every U.S. store shelf.
This is the biggest escalation yet in the smart ring patent war, and it has real consequences for buyers. Here’s what you need to know — and what to do about it.
What Is Oura Claiming?
Oura holds patents on the fundamental smart ring form factor — specifically, how electronic components like a flexible printed circuit board, battery, and optical sensors are arranged between the inner and outer layers of a ring. These aren’t narrow software patents; they cover the physical architecture of putting health-tracking electronics inside a ring shape.
The ITC complaint targets four companies simultaneously:
- Samsung: Galaxy Ring ($399) — the biggest target and the only major tech company named
- Reebok: Reebok Smart Ring — a fitness-branded ring that uses similar component layout
- Zepp Health: Amazfit Ring — the budget competitor from the Zepp Health ecosystem
- Nexxbase: Luna Ring — an India-based smart ring maker
Oura also filed a parallel lawsuit in U.S. District Court seeking monetary damages from all four companies. The ITC case is the more aggressive move — the ITC can issue exclusion orders that block products at the U.S. border, which is faster and more devastating than waiting for a court verdict.
Why This Matters for Galaxy Ring Buyers
The ITC complaint lands at the worst possible time for Samsung’s smart ring ambitions. The Galaxy Ring 2 was already reportedly delayed to early 2027 due to underwhelming first-gen sales and this patent dispute. Now Oura is attacking the current Galaxy Ring as well.
Two scenarios play out:
- Best case for Samsung: Samsung negotiates a licensing deal like RingConn and Circular did. This adds cost to the Galaxy Ring (royalty payments get passed to consumers), but keeps the product on shelves.
- Worst case for Samsung: The ITC issues an exclusion order, and Samsung must pull Galaxy Ring from U.S. sale while it redesigns around Oura’s patents or appeals. This could take 12–18 months.
Which Smart Rings Are Safe to Buy Right Now?
Not all smart rings are affected by this dispute. Here’s the current legal landscape:
- Oura Ring 4 / Ring 5 — Safe (obviously). Oura is the patent holder. The Ring 4 starts at $349 and the Ring 5 at $399.
- RingConn Gen 3 — Safe. RingConn signed a royalty license with Oura after an earlier lawsuit. The Gen 3 at $299 with no subscription is legally clear.
- Circular Ring — Safe. Also signed a patent license with Oura.
- Samsung Galaxy Ring — At risk. Named in the ITC complaint. Available now but future U.S. availability uncertain.
- Amazfit Ring — At risk. Named in the ITC complaint via parent company Zepp Health.
- Ultrahuman Ring Pro — Uncertain. Not named in this ITC complaint, but Oura has sued Ultrahuman separately in the past.
What Should Smart Ring Buyers Do?
If you want a Samsung Galaxy Ring:Buy it now if you’re set on Samsung’s ecosystem. There’s a real chance availability becomes uncertain in the coming months. But honestly, the Galaxy Ring at $399is hard to recommend over the competition right now — it doesn’t track blood pressure, has shorter battery life than Oura, and requires a Samsung phone.
If you just want the best smart ring: Buy the Oura Ring 4 ($349) or Ring 5 ($399). They’re the patent holder’s own products, have the best app and health insights, and will never face an import ban.
If you want no subscription: Go with RingConn Gen 3 at $299. It has a signed patent license with Oura, offers 14-day battery life, and never charges a monthly fee.
The Broader Impact on the Smart Ring Market
Oura’s aggressive patent strategy is reshaping the entire smart ring industry. The company has now sued or forced licensing deals with every major competitor: RingConn, Circular, Ultrahuman, Samsung, Amazfit, Reebok, and Luna. Combined with its recent $11 billion IPO filing, Oura is positioning itself as both the market leader and the patent gatekeeper.
For consumers, this is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it reduces the number of viable competitors, which could keep prices higher and slow innovation. On the other hand, it forces competitors to license Oura’s patents — which funds Oura’s R&D and creates a more legally stable market where you don’t have to worry about your ring maker getting shut down.
Compare all smart ring options in our smart ring comparison guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Could the Samsung Galaxy Ring be pulled from sale in the US?
- Yes, it's possible. If the ITC rules in Oura's favor, it can issue an exclusion order blocking the import of Samsung Galaxy Ring into the United States. However, ITC cases typically take 12–18 months to resolve, so any import ban wouldn't happen immediately. Samsung would likely appeal.
- Which smart rings are safe to buy during the Oura patent dispute?
- Oura Ring 4 and Ring 5 are obviously safe. RingConn Gen 3 and Circular Ring have already signed patent licenses with Oura, making them legally safe. Ultrahuman Ring Pro has not been named in this complaint, though Oura sued Ultrahuman separately in the past.
- Should I buy Samsung Galaxy Ring before it gets pulled?
- If you specifically want a Galaxy Ring, buying now reduces the risk of losing access. However, the Galaxy Ring's $399 price is hard to justify against the Oura Ring 4 at $349 or the subscription-free RingConn Gen 3 at $299. The Galaxy Ring 2 is also delayed to 2027, so there's no upgrade path coming soon.
- What patents is Oura claiming Samsung violated?
- Oura's patents cover the fundamental smart ring form factor — specifically, the arrangement of electronic components (flexible PCB, battery, sensors) between the inner and outer layers of a ring. These are design and manufacturing patents, not software patents, which makes them harder for competitors to work around.