Ultrahuman, the Bengaluru-based wearable health-tech innovator, has taken legal action against Finnish competitor Oura, filing a patent infringement lawsuit in the Delhi High Court on August 22, 2025. Ultrahuman alleges that Oura’s Ring 4 unlawfully incorporates features central to Ultrahuman’s patented technologies—including women’s health functions, circadian rhythm tracking, and glucose-monitoring capabilities
The contested patent, granted by the Indian Patent Office, safeguards the integration of sensors, structural design, and onboard processing that powers Ultrahuman’s Ring AIR smart ring, delivering advanced sleep-stage and recovery insights. Ultrahuman asserts that Oura’s product infringes upon every element of this patent
An Ultrahuman spokesperson emphasized their commitment to innovation without restrictive paywalls and the importance of defending India’s burgeoning tech leadership on the global stageUltrahuman.
A Broader Legal Battle
This lawsuit flips the script in the ongoing legal skirmish: earlier, Oura initiated legal action in the U.S., including a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), alleging patent infringement by Ultrahuman and others. In April 2025, an Administrative Law Judge at the ITC issued a preliminary ruling siding with Oura, finding that Ultrahuman’s Ring AIR infringes on Oura’s patents related to dual-housing design, curved battery structure, and integrated sensors. The judge even accused Ultrahuman of fabricating evidence around its Texas facility
If upheld, this could result in a U.S. import ban on Ultrahuman’s products, severely limiting its market access. Ultrahuman has publicly rejected the ruling’s legitimacy and maintains its Texas facility will meet U.S. demand. The final ITC decision remains pending
What’s at Stake?
This tit-for-tat legal feud underscores mounting tensions in the nascent smart ring segment:
- For Ultrahuman: The lawsuit is an assertive move to protect homegrown innovation and gain a legal upper hand in India, while countering Oura’s aggressive U.S. IP strategy.
- For Oura: Facing a challenge in India could threaten its designs and market dominance. The U.S. proceedings already pose risks to its rivals’ access to that lucrative market.
- For the Industry: Startups must navigate an increasingly litigious environment. Patent enforcement is becoming a powerful tool—not just for protection but for competitive positioning.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Filed By | Ultrahuman in Delhi High Court |
| Alleged Infringement | Women’s health features, circadian tools, glucose monitoring integration from Ultrahuman Ring AIR |
| Legal Context | Part of broader global IP conflict involving Oura’s U.S. ITC filing |
| Potential Consequence | Import bans, product design overhauls, strategic shifts in global markets |
Final Thoughts
As the legal conflict escalates, both companies are doubling down on their claims. Ultrahuman asserts the lawsuit is essential to protect innovation, while Oura continues to wield its strong IP portfolio in global disputes. The outcomes in both India and the U.S. could significantly alter the smart ring landscape—and shape how wearable startups pursue competition and growth amid fierce patent battles.
