Align Technology Prevails in China Patent Infringement Action Against Angelalign

Align Technology, a leading provider of clear aligners, has won a key patent infringement case in China against Angelalign Technology, according to a ruling by the Jinan Intermediate People's Court. The court ruled in favor of Align in a dispute over a patent related to extraction-gap-closure technology, CN113693748B. The judgment, issued on August 10, 2026, found that Angelalign's use of its MasterForce biomechanical simulation system and ATreat digital orthodontic treatment design system to create A7 and A7 Speed premolar extraction treatment solutions infringed on Align's patent rights. The court also determined that the aligner products produced and sold using the accused technology violated Align's intellectual property protections. The verdict orders Angelalign to stop using the patented technology and to discontinue manufacturing and selling the infringing products within China. It also awards Align RMB 10 million in damages. Angelalign has until the appeal period expires to challenge the ruling before the Supreme People's Court. The case began in September 2025, when Align filed a patent infringement action against Angelalign in the Jinan Intermediate People's Court. This legal battle is part of a broader series of enforcement efforts by Align against Angelalign, which has been engaged in multiple disputes across different jurisdictions. In February 2026, the Unified Patent Court issued a preliminary injunction against Angelalign, requiring it to halt infringement of Align's patented ClinCheck® Live Update technology. That order was later confirmed during an appellate review. In July 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission held an evidentiary hearing on five patents claimed by Align against Angelalign. Align anticipates the ITC will release its initial findings on the merits of these claims in November 2026. Additionally, Align continues to file patent infringement lawsuits against Angelalign's affiliated entities in both China and Europe. Joe Hogan, president and CEO of Align Technology, emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual property as a cornerstone of innovation and investment. He stated, "Align has made significant long-term investments in innovation and in the Chinese market. We respect the role of China's courts in protecting intellectual property rights and are encouraged by this decision. Protecting intellectual property is essential to sustaining that innovation and ensuring continued investment in technologies that benefit doctors and patients." Hogan added that the ruling underscores the strength of Align's intellectual property portfolio and reaffirms the company's commitment to fair competition and technological advancement. Align Technology operates on a global scale, offering digital orthodontic solutions to nearly 23.5 million patients worldwide. Its services span the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions, with clinical treatment planning centers located in Costa Rica, Poland, China (Chengdu), Spain, France, Germany, and Japan. Manufacturing facilities include state-of-the-art sites in Juarez, Mexico; Wroclaw, Poland; Ziyang, China; Vienna, Austria; San Jose, California; and a newly operational plant in Hyderabad, India set to expand the company's 3D printing network for dental applications. The ongoing legal battles between Align and Angelalign reflect the growing intensity of competition in the orthodontic sector, particularly around proprietary technologies such as digital treatment planning and biomechanical simulations. As Align continues to assert its intellectual property rights in multiple jurisdictions, the outcomes of these cases could shape the future landscape of the industry, influencing how companies approach innovation and market differentiation. The latest ruling in China adds another layer to this complex legal strategy, reinforcing Align's position as a leader in the field.