Align Technology Sues Angelalign Technology Over Patent Infringement

Align Technology has filed patent infringement lawsuits against Angelalign Technology, alleging that Angel's products infringe on Align's patents for innovations such as multilayer aligner materials, cutting-edge treatment planning, and advanced aligner features. Align seeks injunctive relief and monetary damages in the US, Europe, and China. The company has invested over $300 million annually in research and development, driving its technological leadership and advancements in orthodontic care.

Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN), a leading global medical device company, has filed patent infringement lawsuits against Angelalign Technology, Inc. (Hong Kong Stock Exchange: 6699.HK), alleging that Angel's products infringe on Align's patents for innovations such as multilayer aligner materials, cutting-edge treatment planning, and advanced aligner features. The lawsuits have been initiated in the United States, Europe, and China, jurisdictions where Align has made significant investments in innovation, aligner fabrication, and treatment planning. Align seeks both injunctive relief and monetary damages through these intellectual property enforcement efforts.

The lawsuits allege that Angelalign's products and associated software infringe on Align's patents, which encompass key innovations in the field of clear aligner therapy. Align has invested over $300 million annually and approximately $2 billion since 2001 in research and development, demonstrating its commitment to technological leadership and advancements in orthodontic care.

Align's global operations span the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, with clinical treatment planning centers in Costa Rica, Poland, China (Chengdu), Spain, France, Germany, and Japan. The company's global aligner manufacturing operations include world-class facilities in Juarez, Mexico; Wroclaw, Poland; and Ziyang, China, forming the backbone of the world's largest 3D printing network for dental aligners.

Align's investments in global operations are designed to bring its facilities closer to doctor-customers and their patients. In Mexico, the Juarez facility serves as a strategic node in Align's global supply chain, enabling fast and cost-effective delivery of aligners to customers in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and beyond. In China, the Chengdu treatment planning center and Ziyang manufacturing facility are central to Align's "Solution for China" strategy, supporting the local economy and one of its fastest-growing markets by helping Chinese doctors provide millions of Chinese consumers access to high-quality orthodontic care.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign® System, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software, enabling enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 286.4 thousand doctor customers. These technologies are key to accessing Align's 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide.

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/ALGN/align-technology-initiates-patent-infringement-ligitation-against-9nhx1qzeu34l.html
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/align-technology-initiates-patent-infringement-220000386.html