In a bold move to protect its forthcoming smart ring, Samsung has filed a preemptive lawsuit against Oura, requesting a "declaratory judgment" that states the Galaxy Ring does not infringe on five patents owned by Oura. The suit accuses Oura of frequently suing competitors over features common to smart rings and highlights instances where Oura sued rivals even before they entered the US market.

The lawsuit comes after Oura sent unsolicited statements to multiple publishers, including The Verge, emphasizing the strength of its intellectual property (IP) portfolio with over 100 granted patents, 270 pending patent applications, and more than 130 registered trademarks. Additionally, an interview with Oura CEO Tom Hale on CNBC further indicated the company's intent to monitor Samsung's Galaxy Ring closely and take appropriate action if necessary.

Samsung's lawsuit also reveals key details about the Galaxy Ring. It states that the hardware design was finalized in mid-May and is set to enter mass production in mid-June. The smart ring is expected to launch in the US market around August of this year. A screenshot from the Samsung Health app included in the suit showcases an "Energy Score" feature based on sleep, activity, heart rate, and heart rate variability metrics.

This patent dispute is not uncommon in the world of gadgets, with examples like medical device maker Masimo winning an import ban against Apple Watch over blood oxygen patents. However, if Samsung prevails in court, it could significantly impact the smart ring market. Until now, Oura has dominated the arena, but Samsung's entry poses a genuine threat due to its extensive gadget ecosystem and industry recognition. Success for Samsung could also empower smaller smart ring manufacturers in their battle against Oura.

The emergence of Samsung in the smart ring market suggests that this category is gaining momentum after years of being on the back burner. Recent developments indicate increased competition, as Oura has been actively updating its software and expanding its sales channels to include major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Amazon.

The Verge reached out to Oura for comments on the lawsuit but has not received an immediate response. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could reshape the landscape of the smart ring industry and potentially disrupt Oura's dominant position.