Two Smart-Ring Brands Just Vanished From U.S. Stores
Two major smart ring brands were hit with a big setback last week. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Ultrahuman and RingConn infringed on Oura’s patents. The decision blocks both companies from importing or selling their smart rings in the United States.
For RingConn, the ruling does not immediately end U.S. sales. The ITC confirmed that the company can continue selling, delivering, and supporting customers during the Presidential Review period, which runs until mid-October. The brand, widely regarded as one of the strongest affordable alternatives to Oura, remains available for U.S. shoppers for now. However, the long-term future of RingConn in the U.S. market will depend on the outcome of the review process.
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For Ultrahuman, the situation is basically the same. While the ITC found the company infringed Oura’s patents, the Commission also granted consumer-protective exemptions. This means U.S. customers can continue purchasing and importing the Ultrahuman Ring Air until October 21, 2025, and accessories like chargers and the Ultrahuman app remain fully available. After that date, no new imports will be allowed unless Ultrahuman introduces a redesigned.
The ruling also impacts Ultrahuman’s broader plans. The company has been investing in a new U.S. manufacturing facility since last year, but with imports banned after October 2025, that strategy will need to be reconsidered.
In an August 22 blog post, Oura welcomed the ruling, saying it confirms the company’s patents are valid and enforceable and strengthens its long-term intellectual property strategy.
Ultrahuman, however, struck a different tone. In a statement to nextpit, the company said it “welcomes the ITC’s recognition of consumer-protective exemptions and its rejection of attempts to block the access of U.S. consumers.” It also noted that the contested patent is already under review by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board and reaffirmed its plans to develop a next-generation ring built on a “fundamentally new architecture.” The company added that restricting competition risks fewer choices, higher prices, and slower innovation.
What if you already own an Ultrahuman Ring in the U.S.?
Ultrahuman confirmed to nextpit that existing Ring Air users in the U.S. will continue to receive support. Key details include:
- Support and warranty: All rings imported before October 21, 2025, remain eligible for full support, repairs, and warranty coverage.
- Orders and refunds: Any orders that cannot be delivered before October 21 will be cancelled and refunded.
- App and accessories: The Ultrahuman app and charging accessories are not affected by the ruling and remain available.
- Retail stock: U.S. retailers may sell any stock already in the country, but no new imports will be allowed after October 21.
- Future plans: Ultrahuman is developing a next-generation ring that could eventually return to the U.S. market.
What the ITC ruling means for RingConn users in the U.S.
According to RingConn, the ITC ruling does not affect current users. The company confirmed to nextpit that:
- Support and warranty: The ITC ruling allows RingConn to fulfill warranty obligations permanently. Users who already own a RingConn Ring will retain full access to support, repairs, and warranty coverage.
- App and charging accessories: The RingConn app, chargers, and other accessories are not affected by the ruling and remain available.
- Sales and deliveries: Sales and deliveries in the U.S. will continue as usual during the Presidential Review period (until mid-October).
- Future availability: RingConn says it is proactively addressing the ruling and intends to defend its rights. The brand’s long-term status in the U.S. will depend on the review outcome, but for now, consumers can continue buying and using RingConn without disruption.
Can RingConn and Ultrahuman Appeal?
Yes, but options are limited. The ITC ruling now enters a 60-day presidential review period, though it is very unlikely to be overturned. After that, the companies could appeal to a federal court, but that process only reviews whether the ITC applied the law correctly.
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Ultrahuman also pointed out that the disputed patent is already being reviewed by the USPTO’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board, which could affect the case if the patent is found invalid. Another possibility for both companies would be to negotiate a settlement with Oura or redesign their products to avoid the patents in question.
What This Means for You
For U.S. shoppers, the ruling means fewer choices. RingConn is gone from the U.S. market immediately, while Ultrahuman has a temporary exemption that runs until October 21, 2025. After that, its future in the U.S. will depend on either a redesigned model or the outcome of ongoing patent disputes.
For now, Oura holds a dominant position in the U.S. smart ring market, with Samsung’s Galaxy Ring (review) as one of the few real challengers.
Article updated on August 27, 2025, at 10 AM EDT to include RingConn's statement regarding the final determination issued by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The earlier version stated that the ruling meant RingConn’s U.S. sales had already ended. In fact, the company may continue selling devices in the U.S. until mid-October, during the Presidential Review period.
Source: Oura
