U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan has called on the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to maintain patent protections for American-developed health technology. This follows a recent decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), which found that certain Chinese and Indian companies had imported and sold smart wearable devices infringing on patents held by Oura, a company known for its smart ring technology.
The ITC issued a Limited Exclusion Order and Cease-and-Desist Orders to block further importation and sale of these infringing products. The USTR is currently reviewing the case for enforcement.
“As Chair of the Health Subcommittee, I’ve made it a top priority to highlight the promise of wearable technology in transforming our health care system,” Buchanan stated. “Oura was the first to bring its innovative smart ring technology to the American market and has invested significantly in research, development and manufacturing here in the United States. Protecting this progress is not only vital to upholding U.S. patent policy but also to safeguarding the privacy of patient health information. Upholding the ITC’s ruling will ensure that all companies choosing to invest in America can continue to grow and create jobs here at home. Foreign adversaries and competitors should not be allowed to mislead regulators or compromise the biometric data of American citizens. Congress must stand firm in protecting the health and security of the American people.”
Buchanan’s letter emphasized safeguarding intellectual property, protecting sensitive health data, and supporting domestic supply chains. He noted Oura’s significant investment in U.S.-based research, development, and plans for expanded manufacturing in Texas, while warning about risks from foreign firms collecting biometric data under weaker privacy standards.
Other members signing Buchanan’s letter include Representatives Troy Balderson (R-Ohio), Rich McCormick (R-Ga.), Cory Mills (R-Fla.), David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), Greg Steube (R-Fla.), and Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas).
Buchanan has been active on issues related to innovation protection as part of his role on the Ways and Means Committee. He chairs its Health Subcommittee, where he recently led a hearing focused on wearable technology and patient data protection.
In their letter addressed to Ambassador Greer, Buchanan and his colleagues outlined several points:
They referenced an August 21, 2025 finding by the ITC confirming that Ultrahuman Healthcare entities based in India, UAE, UK, as well as Shenzhen Ninenovo Technology Ltd., violated Section 337 by importing rings that infringed Oura’s patent rights.
The lawmakers argued that strong patent enforcement is essential for fostering medical-grade wearables’ growth—a sector they say can improve public health outcomes while generating skilled jobs domestically.
They criticized respondents’ actions during litigation, including attempts by Ultrahuman’s counsel to mislead regulators with fabricated evidence regarding domestic manufacturing operations—an action condemned by the Commission.
Concerns were raised about foreign-owned firms collecting large amounts of biometric data under less stringent privacy regimes than those enforced in America.
The letter concluded with support for upholding ITC orders as consistent with efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains and protect critical technologies from unfair trade practices.
Vern Buchanan represents Florida’s 16th congressional district since 2007 after succeeding Katherine Harris (source). Before joining Congress he served in Florida’s House of Representatives (source). Born in Detroit in 1951, Buchanan resides in Sarasota (source). He graduated from Cleary University with a BA in 1975 before earning another degree from University of Detroit Mercy (source).
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