Align Technology, the maker of Invisalign clear aligners, has intensified its patent dispute with Chinese competitor Angelalign Technology by filing a formal complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The complaint, submitted on September 23, seeks to block the importation and sale of Angelalign’s clear aligner products in the United States, alleging that they infringe on several of Align’s patented technologies.
According to Align, Angelalign’s products violate patents related to advanced multilayer aligner materials, digital treatment planning systems, and unique aligner features developed through years of research and innovation.
The California-based company invests more than $300 million annually in research and development and has invested nearly $2 billion since its founding in 2001 to advance digital orthodontics. Align also utilizes hundreds of 3D printers to produce over a million parts daily as part of its innovative manufacturing process.
Julie Coletti, Align’s Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, emphasized that the company is committed to protecting its extensive intellectual property portfolio. “We welcome fair and innovative competition, but when companies choose to infringe on our decades of hard work instead of performing their own research and development, we must take action,” she said. The ITC filing adds to lawsuits Align has already initiated earlier this year in the United States, Europe, and China, targeting patent infringements by Angelalign.
Angelalign, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and headquartered in Shanghai, has vocally denied the accusations. The company describes the claims as “frivolous and entirely without merit,” asserting its strong commitment to innovation and patent compliance. Rich Hirschland, Angelalign’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed confidence in their ability to prevail in the dispute, emphasizing the company’s record of clinical innovation and global expansion.
The legal battle occurs amid fierce competition in the global clear aligner market, which was valued at $6.49 billion in 2024 and is forecast to grow to $32.35 billion by 2030 with an annual growth rate exceeding 31%. Both companies compete for market share in this growing sector, where technological advances and proprietary treatment methods are key competitive advantages.
Align has a long history of defending its intellectual property. Since its founding in 1997, the company has been involved in multiple patent litigations, including lawsuits against OrthoClear, ClearCorrect, and 3Shape. Many of these cases ended in settlements or licensing agreements, underscoring Align’s determination to maintain its leading position in digital orthodontics.
Align operates a global network of manufacturing and clinical treatment planning centers, including facilities in Mexico, Poland, Spain, France, and China. This infrastructure supports its thousands of Invisalign-trained practitioners worldwide and ensures efficient production and delivery of custom aligners.
The outcome of the current patent dispute with Angelalign will likely have a significant impact on competition and innovation in the clear aligner industry, especially in China, where a large consumer base and evolving regulatory environment create unique market dynamics.
As the clear aligner market continues its rapid expansion, intellectual property protection remains a critical issue for industry players. Companies like Align emphasize that safeguarding their patented innovations is essential to funding ongoing research and delivering effective orthodontic solutions.
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