Key Highlights:
- Samsung files lawsuit against Oura, seeking non-infringement declaration for Galaxy Ring.
- Samsung argues Galaxy Ring does not violate Oura’s patented technologies.
- Legal outcome may impact smart ring market and future patent disputes.
Days ago, we reported on Samsung’s plans to release its new smart ring, the Galaxy Ring, in August, while seeking legal advice to avoid infringing on Oura’s patents. And on June 6th, the situation escalated when Samsung took proactive legal action against Oura.
Samsung has filed a lawsuit in the US District Court in California seeking a declaratory judgment that its Galaxy Ring does not infringe on five of Oura’s patents. This move is aimed at preempting any potential patent infringement claims from Oura, which has a history of aggressively protecting its intellectual property.
The lawsuit alleges that Oura frequently targets competitors with patent claims based on common smart ring features such as built-in batteries, fitness tracking scores, and various health sensors. Samsung’s legal action references instances where Oura has sued rivals like Ultrahuman, Circular, and RingConn, sometimes even before they entered the US market.
Shortly after the announcement of the Galaxy Ring, Oura issued a statement to multiple publishers, including The Verge, emphasizing the strength of its intellectual property portfolio, which includes 100 granted patents, 270 pending patent applications, and over 130 registered trademarks. Oura’s CEO, Tom Hale, also indicated in a CNBC interview that the company would closely monitor Samsung’s Galaxy Ring and take appropriate action if necessary.
Samsung’s lawsuit not only aims to secure a favorable ruling but also confirms several details about the Galaxy Ring’s production timeline.
The hardware design was finalized in mid-May, mass production is set to begin in mid-June, and the product is expected to hit the US market around August this year.
This legal battle has significant implications for the wearable tech market. A ruling in Samsung’s favor could pave the way for other smart ring manufacturers to enter the market, potentially reshaping the industry and challenging Oura’s dominance.
The Core of the Dispute
Oura, renowned for its innovative Oura Ring, holds patents on various health-monitoring technologies. The primary patents in question are:
- U.S. Patent No. 8,290,429 (‘429 Patent)
- U.S. Patent No. 9,123,178 (‘178 Patent)
Oura alleges that Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, a recent entrant in the smart ring market, utilizes technology covered under these patents.
However, Samsung vehemently denies these allegations and has taken legal steps to seek a court declaration that its Galaxy Ring does not infringe on Oura’s patents.
Samsung’s Legal Stance
In its complaint, Samsung argues that the Galaxy Ring operates on fundamentally different principles compared to the patented technologies described by Oura. Specifically:
- Regarding the ‘429 Patent: Samsung claims that its Galaxy Ring does not perform the specific functions of determining a body response summary and calculating a readiness score, as outlined in Oura’s patent.
- Concerning the ‘178 Patent: Samsung asserts that its product does not include the external housing component that Oura’s patent specifies.
Samsung’s legal team has provided detailed technical descriptions to support these claims, aiming to demonstrate that the Galaxy Ring’s design and functionality do not violate Oura’s intellectual property.
Next Steps in the Legal Battle
As the case progresses, Oura will need to respond formally to Samsung’s complaint. The legal proceedings will involve a detailed examination of the patents and the technologies in question, with both sides likely presenting expert testimonies to strengthen their positions.
This legal confrontation is expected to be closely watched by industry experts and competitors, given its potential to set precedents for future patent disputes in the fast-evolving wearable tech sector.
About Samsung and Oura
Samsung Electronics Co. is a global technology leader, recognized for its wide array of consumer electronics, including smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices. The company continues to push the boundaries of innovation across multiple tech domains.
Oura Health Ltd. is a Finland-based health tech company best known for the Oura Ring, a smart ring that provides comprehensive health insights, including sleep patterns, physical activity, and overall readiness. Oura prides itself on its research-driven approach and patented technology.