A PYMNTS Company

Align Technology Prevails in Antitrust Lawsuits

 |  February 22, 2024

Align Technology, Inc., a leading player in digital orthodontic solutions, has emerged victorious in two significant antitrust class action lawsuits. These legal challenges, Simon & Simon, PC et al. v. Align Technology, Inc. and Snow et al. v. Align Technology, Inc., were brought against Align for its decision to discontinue accepting scans from a third-party scanner within the United States due to concerns over intellectual property infringement.

The rulings by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California represent a resounding validation of Align’s stance on safeguarding its intellectual property rights while driving innovation in the digital dentistry landscape. The company’s Invisalign® system, along with its iTero™ intraoral scanners and exocad™ CAD/CAM software, has revolutionized orthodontic treatment, offering patients a discreet and effective alternative to traditional braces.

Joe Hogan, Align Technology’s president and CEO, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decisions, noting, “Our teams are constantly innovating to create products and services that delight users with the best clear aligner and scanner technology in the world.”

Align’s Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer, Julie Coletti, underscored the importance of these legal victories in upholding the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. “The outcome validates our commitment to innovate in digital dentistry and our desire for a robust and competitive clear aligner and scanner market,” Coletti remarked.

Align Technology invests significantly in research and development, allocating over $300 million annually to drive advancements in the field. This dedication has propelled the company to the forefront of the industry, facilitating the transition from analog to state-of-the-art digital solutions.

While these recent rulings mark a significant milestone for Align, the company remains engaged in another antitrust case, continuing to defend itself vigorously. The resolution of these legal matters will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of the orthodontic industry, as Align Technology maintains its position as a pioneering force in digital dentistry.

Source: Finance Yahoo