Two subscription-free smart rings were just banned in the US - here's why

The US government has banned the sale of two subscription-free smart rings, Circular and Movano, due to patent infringement claims made by Oura, a leading smart ring manufacturer. Oura alleged that Circular and Movano had copied its distinctive ring design, which is protected by a form factor patent. The US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in Oura's favor, leading to the import ban on the competing products. This decision means that Circular and Movano will no longer be available for purchase in the US starting in October. The ban aims to protect Oura's intellectual property and its market position as a pioneer in the subscription-free smart ring segment. The ruling highlights the importance of patent protection in the rapidly evolving wearable technology industry, where companies seek to differentiate their products through innovative designs. The case underscores the need for competitors to respect each other's intellectual property rights to foster fair competition and encourage continued innovation in the market.