1. Align files a complaint against Angelalign for patent infringement. 2. Seeks exclusion of infringing clear aligner products in the U.S. 3. Legal actions are part of Align's strategy to protect innovations. 4. This builds upon previous lawsuits in multiple jurisdictions. 5. Align emphasizes commitment to fair competition and innovation protection.
Align's aggressive patent protection may enhance its market position and shareholder confidence, similar to experiences with other tech companies that successfully defended their IP. Historical examples include Apple successfully blocking competitors through rigorous patent enforcement efforts.
The article discusses Align's proactive approach to protecting its intellectual property, which is crucial for maintaining market leadership and innovation capacity, thus likely impacting its stock positively.
The patents, if enforced successfully, could solidify Align's competitive advantage over time, as seen with notable brands that strengthened their market position through effective litigation.
Asserts patents around innovations in clear aligner therapy; seeks exclusion and cease-and-desist orders
Align Technology, Inc. ("Align") (NASDAQ:ALGN), a leading global medical device company that designs, manufactures, and sells the Invisalign® System of clear aligners, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry, today announced that it has filed a complaint under Section 337 of the Tariff Act (which prohibits unfair competition and acts in the importation and/or sale of goods) with the U.S. International Trade Commission ("ITC") against Angelalign Technology, Inc. ("Angel") for the unauthorized importation and sale of clear aligners that infringe Align's patents.
The complaint alleges that Angel's aligner products, without authorization, incorporate patented technologies developed by Align. Align is seeking an exclusion order to bar the importation of infringing products into the United States and a cease-and-desist order to halt the sale of infringing products already present in the U.S. market.
This is the latest in a series of legal actions Align has initiated against Angel, including August filings in the U.S. District Court, the China Intermediate People's Court, and the European Unified Patent Court, jurisdictions where Align has made significant investments in innovation, aligner fabrication, and treatment planning. (link to prior press release: https://investor.aligntech.com/news-releases/news-release-details/align-technology-initiates-patent-infringement-litigation-0)
"We are taking the necessary steps through the ITC to protect our patented technologies and significant R&D investments from unlawful importation and use," said Julie Coletti, EVP, chief legal and regulatory officer. "This ITC action demonstrates our dedication to protecting Align innovation and our unwavering commitment to fair competition. Unlawful trade practices must not be allowed to erode the value of genuine innovation."
About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign® System, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero™ intraoral scanners and services, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 286.4 thousand doctor customers and are key to accessing Align's 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Over the past 28 years, Align has helped doctors treat over 20.8 million patients with the Invisalign System and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align™ Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.
For additional information about the Invisalign System or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.
Invisalign, iTero, exocad, Align, Align Digital Platform, and iTero Lumina are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc.
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Align Technology
Madelyn Valente
(909) 833-5839
mvalente@aligntech.com
Zeno Group
Sarah Karlson
(828) 551-4201
sarah.karlson@zenogroup.com