This article originally ran on Tuesday, Aug. 19, covering Align Technology’s announcement of lawsuits. It was updated on Aug. 20, following Angelalign’s statement on the suits.
Align Technology (Nasdaq: ALGN) announced that it filed patent infringement lawsuits against Shanghai-based Angelalign Technology.
The lawsuits allege that Angelalign’s products and associated software infringe Align patents. These patents encompass innovations like multilayer aligner materials, cutting-edge treatment planning and advanced aligner features.
Align initiated its legal actions in the U.S., Europe and China. It seeks both injunctive relief and monetary damages through its intellectual property enforcement efforts.
“Align is a pioneer in orthodontics, investing over $300 million annually (and approximately $2 billion since 2001) in research and development. It’s an unrivalled level of investment that shows clearly our unwavering commitment to our customers and their patients. Our vision and passion for helping doctors transform the orthodontic industry from analog to digital through sustained investments fuels the company’s innovation and technological leadership and advances orthodontic care around the world,” said Julie Coletti, EVP, chief legal and regulatory officer. “We welcome fair and innovative competition, but we will protect our own innovations when companies choose to infringe our years of hard work and investment instead of legitimately performing research and development of their own. The patents we are asserting represent important components of our broad intellectual property portfolio and reflect key innovations in clear aligner therapy.”
Angelalign responds to Align Technology suits
In a press release issued on Aug. 20, the day after Align announced its suits, Angelalign said it “categorically denies accusations of patent infringement,” and it “promises a vigorous defense.”
The company develops a range of clear aligner offerings. Products include angelButton, angelHook, A6 mandibular advancement system, angelKid and the Intelligent Root. It said it remains committed to bringing fair and healthy competition to the marketplace to benefit doctors and their patients.
“Angel has a rich heritage of clinically driven innovation during its 20-plus year history. Accusations by our competitor of patent violations are frivolous and entirely without merit,” said Angelalign Chief Commercial Officer and SVP, Rich Hirschland. “Angel has invested heavily in patent compliance since our founding. We are confident that we will prevail in this case.
Angelalign believes that its growth will not be materially affected by the lawsuits.
“We look forward to using the lawsuits to tell the Angel success story and help attract more customers to Angel around the world,” Hirschland said.
