Polar defends Loop design as important court ruling nears
A judge is now reviewing whether to temporarily block sales of the Polar Loop in the U.S. This early decision could heavily influence the direction and outcome of the entire legal battle between Whoop and Polar.
The courtroom gears are finally turning
After several months of paperwork and posturing, January marked a shift from filings to formal oversight. The first scheduling conference took place on January 7, 2026, led by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay in the Eastern District of New York. This was the moment the court established deadlines and set the framework for how the case will move forward. The most pressing issue at that meeting was Whoop’s request for a preliminary injunction.
This legal move, if granted, would force Polar to halt sales of its Loop tracker in the U.S. immediately. Unlike a full verdict, which could take years, this is a short-term ruling intended to prevent what Whoop calls “irreparable harm.” They argue that ongoing Loop sales are hurting their brand in ways that financial compensation won’t cover, particularly by confusing consumers and weakening the distinct look of Whoop’s product line.
To back up those claims, Whoop’s lawyers have compiled examples of social media posts and product reviews calling the Loop a “Whoop clone” or a “dupe.” That evidence, they say, shows real-world brand dilution already in motion.
Polar pushes back on the design claims
Polar filed its official response on January 13, just after the conference. Their legal position is that the screenless design and fabric band that Whoop claims as protected “trade dress” are not exclusive or brand-defining. Polar argues those elements are functional choices, common to fitness trackers in this category, and therefore not protected by trademark law.
In short, they claim it’s not copying – it’s just good design for this kind of device.
Both sides are now in the discovery phase. That means they’re exchanging internal documents, design drafts, and marketing plans. This part of the case will focus on whether Polar made deliberate decisions to mirror Whoop’s product identity, or whether any similarities are coincidental or driven by utility.
The decision is pending
The court is still deliberating on the preliminary injunction. It’s the biggest moment so far in the lawsuit, and the judge’s decision will carry immediate consequences. If Whoop wins, the Polar Loop will be pulled from U.S. shelves. If Polar wins, they’ll continue selling while the case slowly grinds forward.
This kind of early ruling is often a tipping point. For a company like Polar, losing retail access for a year or more could crush momentum. For Whoop, failing to secure the injunction could weaken their leverage in any settlement talks down the line.
Either way, this month has brought real movement. The legal stage is now fully set, and what happens next will determine if Polar Loop gets to compete in the U.S. market at all.
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