Patent Infringement: US ITC's Ban On Ultrahuman Comes Into Effect

Bengaluru-based wearables startup Ultrahuman is now barred from importing and selling its smart rings in the US, following the enforcement of a ban by the US International Trade Commission (ITC).

This comes after Finnish rival Oura won a patent dispute concerning the internal design of Ultrahuman’s smart rings. With the Presidential review period now over, the ITC’s cease-and-desist orders have officially taken effect. This, in turns, bars Ultrahuman from selling its current Ring AIR model in the US.

Commenting on the development, an Ultrahuman spokesperson told Inc42 that Ring AIR will continue to be available for purchase in the US through existing retailers despite the ruling.

“Ultrahuman Ring AIR remains available for purchase in the US through retailers. All existing users will continue to receive full firmware, software, and warranty support without interruption,” the spokesperson told Inc42.

While the ban impacts the import of the Ultrahuman ring in the US, the spokesperson said that the company is actively seeking clarity from US authorities on the smart rings manufactured at its Texas facility.

Ultrahuman Takes The Slow & Steady Route

Meanwhile, Ultrahuman confirmed that it is on track to develop a new ring design, adding that the new product will be launched in the US “as soon as possible.” However, a person close to the company told Inc42 that the company is not “rushing the timeline” to avoid any future infringement issues.

“The company is not rushing the timeline because it needs approvals from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It is also taking its time to make sure the new ring does not infringe any patents,” the person said on the condition of anonymity.

Noting that the biggest hurdle for Ultrahuman’s re-entry into the US is “178 patent” (Patent No. 11,868,178), the source said that the cancellation of the patent would make things “much easier” for the Bengaluru-based company.

Notably, patent 178 is one of the core pieces of intellectual property cited by Oura in its patent disputes. It is associated with Oura’s smart ring technology and is a key element of the Finnish company’s legal premise. Many smart ring manufacturers, including the likes of Samsung, are fighting this patent in the US courts.

Meanwhile, an Ultrahuman spokesperson said that the company is awaiting the US Patent and Trademark Office’s review of Oura’s ‘178 patent’, which forms the core of the ITC ruling. The decision on that review is expected in December 2025.

All said and done, much hinges on the US patent office’s upcoming ruling. Any adverse ruling would mean that Ultrahuman will lose its biggest chunk of revenue and most lucrative market in the short term.

Notably, the US market contributed the lion’s share of Ultrahuman’s FY25 top line, accounting for about INR 344.2 Cr of its total INR 564.7 Cr operating revenue. This translates into nearly 60% of its overall income. In comparison, the company earned a mere INR 33.2 Cr from the Middle East, INR 25 Cr from the UK, and INR 15.1 Cr from India.

This over-dependence on the US now poses a significant near-term risk for the Bengaluru-based company. With the import ban taking effect and existing stocks expected to run out soon, Ultrahuman’s FY26 revenue targets could take a major hit, even as it prepares a redesigned product to fill the gap.

From Record Growth To Regulatory Setback

In FY25, Ultrahuman posted a net profit of INR 71.5 Cr, a sharp turnaround from a loss of INR 37.7 Cr in FY24. Its operating revenue surged nearly 5X to INR 564.7 Cr from INR 104.6 Cr the previous year.

Of this, smart rings brought in INR 516 Cr, up nearly sevenfold year-on-year, while subscription income rose 8% to INR 28.9 Cr. The company also benefited from a tax credit gain of INR 32.7 Cr during the fiscal.

However, that growth streak now faces uncertainty. Since the ITC ruling, the company’s sales pipeline in the US has come under pressure, and, while Ultrahuman insists the disruption will be temporary, a prolonged ban could slow its hardware-led revenue momentum.

Ultrahuman’s CEO Mohit Kumar earlier told Inc42 that the company is prepared for such a scenario. “There could be a hit for two to three weeks, but not much longer. We already have a redesigned product ready, and once approved, we will be able to import and sell again in the US,” Kumar said in September.

In parallel, the company is also exploring US-based manufacturing to reduce exposure to import tariffs and trade risks. Ultrahuman said it already operates a hybrid supply chain, handling PCB, SMT, and polishing work in India while outsourcing some assembly processes to US vendors.

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