Garmin vs Strava: What’s Going On and Why are Mom and Dad Fighting?

In October 2025, the fitness-tech world was rocked by news that Strava has filed a lawsuit against Garmin, accusing the watchmaker of infringing on patented features and breaching an earlier agreement. This is more than corporate drama, it could have real consequences for how users sync, view, and use their workout data. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and what Garmin users need to watch out for.

What Are the Claims?

Strava’s lawsuit is mainly around two main claims:

1. Patent Infringement (Segments & Heatmaps)

Strava says Garmin has copied features that the company patented:
• Segments / Live Segments — allowing users to compare split times on specific segments of a route.
• Heatmaps / Popularity Routing — visual displays or routing based on user activity density to show popular running/cycling routes.
Strava argues Garmin “reverse engineered” these features beyond what had been permitted under the two companies’ previous cooperation agreement (the “Master Cooperation Agreement” from 2015).
In its lawsuit, Strava is seeking a permanent injunction that would prevent Garmin from selling devices or offering services using these disputed features.

2. Contract / API & Branding Disputes

Beyond patents, Strava has raised concerns over new guidelines Garmin wants to impose on how external apps use Garmin’s API (i.e. how workout data is shared).
Specifically, Garmin is said to require that any activity data transferred to third-party apps (like Strava) must carry a Garmin logo on post screens, charts, sharing cards, etc.
Strava calls this “blatant advertising” and argues that it would degrade user experience.
Garmin allegedly threatened that if Strava doesn’t comply by November 1, it would cut off Garmin-to-Strava uploads.

What Could This Mean for Garmin Users?

While litigation often moves slowly and “features-removed” scenarios can be softened, there are several potential impacts you should be aware of:

✅ What’s Probably Safe (For Now)

Strava has explicitly stated it “does not intend to disrupt” users’ ability to sync their Garmin data to Strava while the lawsuit continues.
Those using Garmin + Strava today should still be able to upload workouts as normal, nothing is immediately changing overnight.

⚠ Possible Risks / Changes

Feature Removal or Rework
If the court decides Garmin must stop using certain technology, Garmin may have to disable or alter segments, heatmaps, or related features via software updates.
Sales Restrictions
Strava’s lawsuit requests Garmin be prevented from selling devices that use the disputed features. This could mean new Garmin models or existing unsold stock might be held up or blocked, though court decisions like that would be significant and may be delayed.
Sync Disruption / Branding Requirements
If Garmin insists on branding/logos for data transfers, Strava might refuse or be forced to restrict connectivity. That could result in users losing or seeing limited integration between Garmin Connect and Strava.
User Experience Changes
If Garmin is required to alter its UI to strip features or limit capability, or force branding, some experiences users are accustomed to may degrade.
Regional Differences
The lawsuit is filed in the U.S. District Court (Colorado). Depending on legal jurisdiction, enforcement and outcomes may differ in the UK or Europe. But globally, users can feel repercussions from Garmin’s policy responses.

What You (as a Garmin User) Can Do Now

Keep your apps updated - Garmin may roll out patches or alternative features to comply with rulings or avoid infringement.
Back up data regularly - Having local copies of your activity files (FIT files, GPX exports) ensures you don’t lose access in case of sync disruption.
Explore alternative platforms - If Strava-Garmin syncing becomes unreliable, keep an eye on other fitness platforms (e.g., Komoot, TrainingPeaks, or native Garmin tools).
Watch for official announcements - Garmin and Strava will likely release user-facing statements if significant changes are coming.
Stay informed via communities - Forums, subreddits or Garmin/Strava user groups will often surface news faster than official releases. The Time Club also releases news regularly on Garmin, Apple and Strava to ensure all watch strap customers receive the best support.

Conclusion

This legal showdown between Garmin and Strava is more than just corporate friction. It brings into focus how dependent users are on the interoperability of devices and fitness platforms. Depending on how courts rule, Garmin might have to alter or remove features, face sales restrictions, or revamp how it allows data sharing with third parties. For now, most users won’t see drastic change, but caution is warranted.