The patent US11188124B2, assigned to Motiv and OuraRing Inc., is under intense legal scrutiny. At the heart of an Inter Partes Review (IPR2025-00147) before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and simultaneously entangled in litigation in Ouraring, Inc. v. RingConn LLC, this patent faces significant validity challenges.
With the stakes high, the question remains: Does this patent hold up against prior art? The outcome of this dispute could reshape competitive dynamics in the smart ring industry, making it crucial to examine whether US11188124B2 truly stands as a novel and non-obvious invention.
In this analysis, we will investigate potential prior art references to assess the patent’s validity. By leveraging the Global Patent Search tool, we will identify key prior art that could impact the case and determine whether the claims of US11188124B2 withstand the test of novelty and non-obviousness.
Let us delve into the specifics of this patent and the prior art that may challenge it.
Understanding Patent US11188124B2
Patent US11188124B2 describes a wearable computing device, specifically a smart ring, that tracks motion, temperature, and other biometric data.
The device features a C-shaped housing that contains various sensors, a curved rechargeable battery, and a semi-flexible printed circuit board (PCB). This design allows for seamless integration of components while maintaining a compact and ergonomic form.
Source: US11188124B2
Its key features are:
#1. Curved battery & semi-flexible PCB – The smart ring incorporates a curved, rechargeable battery and a printed circuit board that conforms to the ring’s shape, optimizing space and wearability.
#2. Integrated biometric & motion sensors – The device includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, motion sensor, and temperature sensors to track movement and body temperature.
#3. Wireless communication module – A short-range communication module (Bluetooth or NFC) enables the ring to send data to external devices.
#4. Encapsulation with potting material – The internal components are encapsulated in a transparent potting material, allowing the passage of visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light for sensor functionality.
With the patent’s key claims outlined, the next step is to analyze potential prior art references that could challenge its validity. Let us examine existing technologies that may predate this invention.
Potential Prior Art References for US11188124B2
#1. TR201715992A2
TR201715992A2 discloses a smart ring that integrates with a mobile device to provide health tracking, wireless communication (Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi), and temperature monitoring. The device includes a battery, motion sensors, and a short-range communication module, designed to enhance user convenience.
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Wearable smart ring with health monitoring – The reference fully describes a smart ring designed to be worn on a finger and integrated with health-tracking functionalities.
- Wireless communication with external devices – Explicitly discloses Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi communication, enabling data transmission between the ring and a mobile device.
- Temperature sensing for biometric data collection – The reference describes a temperature sensor that measures body temperature and alerts the user.
- Biometric sensors for tracking user data – The smart ring includes a heart rate sensor and sleep-tracking module, demonstrating functionality similar to modern biometric rings.
Feature Mapping Results
| Feature | Disclosure Status |
| The device is configured to be worn around a finger | Fully Disclosed |
| A short-range communication module communicates data to a client computing device | Fully Disclosed |
| A temperature sensor provides temperature data associated with the wearer | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from TR201715992A2:
“The invention is a smart ring (1) that is generally integrated with the mobile device (M), developed to facilitate the work of people in daily life, is resistant to water and dust, and can work with solar energy.”
#2: CN104323545A
CN104323545A discloses an intelligent wearable device incorporating a flexible thin-film solar cell and NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. It is designed to store energy, communicate wirelessly, and support smart functions via a connected mobile device. The invention emphasizes energy efficiency and real-time data communication but is primarily designed to be worn on the wrist rather than the finger.
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Wearable device with NFC communication – The reference describes a wearable ring/bracelet equipped with NFC technology for short-range wireless data transmission, similar to the patented smart ring.
- Flexible power source – The device includes a thin-film solar battery and energy storage unit, highlighting the use of alternative energy sources in wearables.
- Microprocessor-controlled functions – The bracelet features a microprocessor for controlling stored data and communication, indicating an ability to process biometric or system data.
- Wireless data synchronization with smart devices – The invention enables wireless synchronization with mobile devices through a dedicated app, aligning with the function of smart rings for real-time data access.
Feature Mapping Results
| Feature | Disclosure Status |
|---|---|
| A short-range communication module communicates data to a client computing device | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from CN104323545A:
“The invention can be worn on the wrist and has an NFC near-field communication module that allows electronic devices to use NFC functionality more conveniently and securely. The power supply unit uses a flexible thin-film solar battery as a power source, and it is also equipped with a storage battery for energy storage. The invention enables wireless communication between an intelligent mobile phone and the bracelet through NFC.”
#3: CN203167170U
CN203167170U discloses a ring-shaped wireless remote controller designed for electronic information applications. The device is worn on a finger and supports wireless communication via WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and NFC. It includes a three-dimensional sensor for motion-based control and utilizes human body kinetic energy for power storage. The design enables gesture-based input, allowing users to interact with smart devices.
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Ring-shaped wearable device – The reference explicitly describes a ring-type remote controller designed to be worn on a finger, aligning with the contested patent.
- Short-range wireless communication – The device supports WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and NFC, enabling wireless interaction with smart devices, similar to the patented smart ring.
- Motion-based input with sensor technology – The reference describes a three-dimensional induction module, which suggests motion-sensing functionality, partially aligning with the use of accelerometers and gyroscopes in smart rings.
- Alternative power source with energy harvesting – The device features human-body kinetic energy charging, eliminating the need for external power sources, contributing to its usability as a wearable device.
Feature Mapping Results
| Feature | Disclosure Status |
| The device is configured to be worn around a finger | Fully Disclosed |
| A short-range communication module communicates data to a client computing device | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from CN203167170U:
“The utility model describes a ring-type wireless remote controller designed for electronic information applications. The device is worn on a finger and supports multiple wireless communication protocols, including WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and NFC. It uses a three-dimensional induction module for sensor-based gesture recognition and is powered by human body kinetic energy.”
#4: US20140285416A1
US20140285416A1 describes a finger-worn smart ring that harvests energy wirelessly from nearby devices and enables user interaction via sensors and short-range communication. It includes physiological and inertial sensors for collecting biometric and environmental data, as well as wireless communication capabilities for data transmission to external devices.
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Finger-worn smart ring – The reference explicitly describes a wearable device in the form of a ring, making it structurally similar to the contested patent.
- Short-range wireless communication – The device supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and NFC, allowing it to wirelessly transmit sensor data to external computing devices.
- Physiological and motion sensors – The ring includes biometric sensors (Galvanic Skin Response, heart rate, blood pressure) and inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) for monitoring user activity and stress levels.
- Temperature sensing for environmental and biometric monitoring – The reference mentions temperature sensors that can detect environmental conditions and user body temperature.
Feature Mapping Results
| Feature | Disclosure Status |
| The device is configured to be worn around a finger | Fully Disclosed |
| A short-range communication module communicates data to a client computing device | Fully Disclosed |
| A temperature sensor provides temperature data associated with the wearer | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US20140285416A1:
“The short range wireless powered ring described herein is a wearable accessory in the form of a finger-worn ring that harvests energy from a short-range wireless-enabled device. The device includes physiological sensors for tracking biometric data such as heart rate, blood pressure, and Galvanic Skin Response, and it wirelessly transmits sensor data to a computing device via Bluetooth or NFC.”
#5: TW201405375A
TW201405375A describes a detachable ring-shaped wireless mouse designed to be worn on a finger and operated with a thumb. The device includes a semi-annular ring with an integrated battery and USB connector, allowing users to swap out rings for continued use while charging depleted ones. The ring wirelessly communicates with a receiver via short-range communication.
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Ring-shaped wearable device – The reference explicitly describes a wireless mouse ring worn on a finger, aligning with the contested patent’s wearable smart ring design.
- Short-range wireless communication – The device wirelessly connects to a receiver, enabling data transmission for user interaction, similar to smart rings with Bluetooth/NFC communication.
- Semi-annular housing design – The reference describes a semi-annular ring containing an internal battery and USB connector, partially aligning with a C-shaped cross-section housing.
- Rechargeable battery integration – The ring includes an internal rechargeable battery that connects to a charging dock, ensuring continued functionality while swapping power sources.
Feature Mapping Results
| Feature | Disclosure Status |
| The device is configured to be worn around a finger | Fully Disclosed |
| A short-range communication module communicates data to a client computing device | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from TW201405375A:
“The detachable ring mouse assembly includes a semi-annular ring with an integrated battery and second USB connector, allowing it to be worn on a finger for wireless operation. The ring communicates wirelessly with a receiver, ensuring functionality without physical cables.”
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | US 11188124 B2 | TR201715992A2 | CN104323545A | CN203167170U | US20140285416A1 | TW201405375A |
| The device is configured to be worn around a finger | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed |
| The housing interior surface and sidewalls have a C-shaped cross section | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| A curved rechargeable battery conforms to the interior surface | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| A printed circuit board conforms to the interior surface | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The device includes one or more sensors selected from accelerometer, gyroscope, and motion sensor | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| A short-range communication module communicates data to a client computing device | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed |
| A temperature sensor provides temperature data associated with the wearer | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| A potting material encapsulates the components and forms an interior wall of the device | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The potting material is substantially transparent to visible light, infrared light, or ultraviolet light | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
How to Find Prior Art Using Global Patent Search
Identifying relevant prior art is essential for assessing a patent’s validity. The Global Patent Search tool simplifies this process by offering comprehensive, data-driven insights into existing patents and publications. Here’s how to efficiently locate potential prior art:
Conduct a search by patent number or description – Input the patent number (e.g., US 11188124 B2) or short description to retrieve related patents and applications.
Source: GPS
Utilize feature mapping – GPS systematically compares patent claims against existing prior art references, ensuring precise analysis.
Source: GPS
Examine matching results – Access a curated list of prior art references that share similarities with the patent.
Analyze detailed reports – Each reference is presented with a structured comparison, highlighting how it aligns with or differs from the claims.
Make data-driven decisions – Use comprehensive insights to evaluate a patent’s strength, challenge its validity, or refine R&D strategies.
With Global Patent Search, users can efficiently determine whether a patent’s claims are novel or if prior disclosures may impact its enforceability.
Win Your Patent Case with Data-Backed Prior Art Research
Building a strong patent case requires thorough, data-backed prior art analysis. The Global Patent Search (GPS) tool provides precise, in-depth insights, helping legal teams and innovators identify relevant prior art efficiently. With GPS, you can:
#1. Quickly uncover prior art – Eliminate time-consuming manual searches with instant, AI-powered results.
#2. Accurately map patent claims – Compare key features against existing patents to assess novelty and validity.
#3. Gain strategic insights – Use comprehensive reports to refine litigation strategies or strengthen R&D efforts.
Don’t leave your litigation suit to chance. Leverage data-driven analysis to make informed, confident decisions. Start your prior art search with Global Patent Search today!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The prior art references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive prior art analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.
