Align Technology Files U.S. Trade Complaint Against Angelalign Technology

Align Technology Inc. is stepping up its patent infringement battle with Angelalign Technology Inc. by filing a complaint accusing the Shanghai-based manufacturer of unlawfully importing and selling clear aligners.

Align Technology filed the 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. The complaint claims Angel’s aligner products—without authorization—incorporate patented technologies developed by Align. The company is seeking an exclusion order to prevent Angel from importing its alleged infringing products into the United States and a cease-and-desist order to block Angel from selling its products in the United States.

“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, Align Technology’s executive vice president, chief legal and regulatory officer. “This ITC action demonstrates our dedication to protecting Align innovation and our commitment to fair competition. Unlawful trade practices must not be allowed to erode the value of genuine innovation.”

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.

Angelalign Technology, however, has denied the patent infringement accusations and vowed to vigorously defend its products. “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,” Angel Chief Commercial Officer and Senior Vice President Rich Hirschland stated last month. “Angel has invested heavily in patent compliance since our founding. We are confident that we will prevail in this case.”

Angel claims to have led the clear-aligner field in innovation for many years. Among its products are the angelButton, the angelHook, the A6 mandibular advancement system (currently celebrating its 10-year anniversary), the angelKid system, and the Intelligent Root System. The company is committed to bringing fair and healthy competition to the marketplace to benefit doctors and their patients.

Angel said its products regularly receive high doctor-satisfaction scores. Its flexible manufacturing system also has been widely praised for turning complex clinical ideas into workable solutions. “We anticipate that our growth will not be materially affected by the lawsuits,” Hirschland said. “We look forward to using the lawsuits to tell the Angel success story and help attract more customers to Angel around the world.”

Founded in 2003 and celebrating 1.5 million smiles, Angelalign Technology Inc. provides digital technology-driven clear aligner products and services to meet the needs of dental professionals and patients worldwide. In 2021, Angelalign Technology was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. In 2023, the company launched its global expansion strategy, with its products and services now reaching more than 50 countries and regions.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign System, reportedly the world’s most advanced clear aligner system, 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 more than 286,400 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, its integrated suite of proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners.