In an effort to block patent claims, Samsung inadvertently disclosed the launch window for the upcoming Galaxy Ring while filing a pre-emptive lawsuit against Oura.
While we were aware that the Galaxy Ring would be launching soon, the most unexpected source has now confirmed its launch window.
Samsung has taken legal action against its rival company Oura Health, who produces the Oura Ring, in order to safeguard its soon-to-be released wearable device, the Galaxy Ring, from potential patent disputes. In the process, Samsung also announced that the Galaxy Ring will be available for purchase in the US in August or shortly after.
With the filing of the lawsuit, Samsung is pursuing a “declaratory judgment” to confirm that the Galaxy Ring does not violate any of Oura’s patents. Additionally, the lawsuit brings attention to Oura’s history of taking legal action against competitors for utilizing “common features found in most smart rings.”It also accuses the company of previously suing rivals such as Ultrahuman, Circular, and RingConn.
Samsung accuses Oura of utilizing patent lawsuits as a tactic to assert infringement against all competitors in the smart ring industry. They believe that any such lawsuit could pose a potential threat to the sale of Samsung’s Galaxy Ring product.
Despite launching its first smart ring in 2015, Oura Health holds multiple patents for the technology used in smart rings. During an interview with CNBC, CEO Ton Hale stated that they will closely follow the progress of the Galaxy Ring and take necessary measures.
Samsung is concerned that five Oura patents may pose an issue. These patents cover essential functionalities found in smart rings, such as a ring with a built-in battery, a cumulative score tracking users’ fitness progress, and monitoring other vital health data.
Samsung has provided screenshots of its Health app in the lawsuit, displaying an “Energy Score”which takes into account sleep, activity, heart rate, and heart rate variability. The company has also disclosed that the design of the Galaxy Ring was finalized in mid-May and mass production is set to commence in mid-June.
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