Align Technology Secures Major Legal Victory in Federal Court
In a significant legal development, Align Technology, Inc., the pioneering firm behind the renowned Invisalign® system, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software, has achieved a decisive victory in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The Court’s recent judgment on February 21, 2024, settled in favor of Align, dismissing two prominent U.S. antitrust class action lawsuits against the company. Both lawsuits, initiated in 2020 and 2021, centered around allegations related to Align’s policy of rejecting scans from a competing third-party scanner, purportedly in violation of its intellectual property rights.
Celebrating Innovation and Legal Integrity
Company Leadership’s Reaction
Joe Hogan, the President and CEO of Align Technology, expressed relief and satisfaction following the Court’s ruling. Hogan highlighted the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation, emphasizing the annual $300 million investment in research and development that powers the creation of leading-edge dental technology. The verdict is seen as a validation of Align’s efforts to transition the dental industry to advanced digital solutions, continuously aiming to enhance patient experiences and outcomes.
Impact on Intellectual Property Enforcement
Julie Coletti, Align’s Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer, conveyed the victory as a testament to the company’s resolve in defending its intellectual property, ensuring that its customer-centric technology remains protected. The ruling underscores Align’s contribution to fostering a competitive market in the clear aligner and scanner domain, proving its allegiance to innovation and customer satisfaction in digital dentistry.
About Align Technology, Inc.
For over a quarter-century, Align Technology has been at the forefront of dental innovation, designing and manufacturing cutting-edge products such as the Invisalign® system, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software. These technological advancements have not only transformed orthodontic and restorative workflows but have also significantly improved the dental care experience for millions of patients worldwide. With more than 256,000 dental professionals in its global network, Align has been instrumental in treating approximately 17 million patients, marking a new era in digital dentistry technology.
Forward-Looking Statements and Future Prospects
While Align Technology looks ahead with optimism, anticipating continued advancements and innovations in its product line, the company remains cautious. Recognizing the inherent uncertainties in litigation, it continues to defend vigorously against remaining claims in an outstanding antitrust case yet to be decided. These forward-looking statements reflect Align’s confidence in its legal strategy and its future in delivering groundbreaking dental technology.
