Align Technology Prevails in China Patent Infringement Action Against Angelalign

Align Technology, a prominent medical device company focused on clear aligner products, recently achieved a victory in a Chinese patent infringement case against Angelalign Technology, a competitor operating in the Chinese market. Align's Invisalign® System, a leading clear aligner solution, was the subject of the litigation.

In September 2025, Align filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Angelalign in China's Jinan Intermediate People's Court, alleging that Angel's use of the MasterForce biomechanical simulation system and ATreat digital orthodontic treatment design system to create A7 and A7 Speed premolar extraction treatment solutions violated Align's patent (CN113693748B).

The Jinan Intermediate People's Court issued a ruling in August 2026, finding that Angel's use of the patented technology in manufacturing and selling aligner products infringed on Align's rights. Consequently, Angel was ordered to cease using the technology, halt production and sale of the infringing products in China, and pay Align a fine of RMB 10 million.

While the decision is subject to appeal, Align sees this ruling as a strong affirmation of its intellectual property portfolio and its dedication to safeguarding innovations globally. This outcome is consistent with other recent enforcement actions taken by Align against Angel. In February 2026, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) issued an injunction requiring Angel to cease using Align's ClinCheck® Live Update technology, a ruling upheld on appeal in July 2026.

In July 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) held an evidentiary hearing on five patents filed by Align against Angel, with a determination expected by November 2026. Align is currently pursuing further patent infringement actions against Angel affiliates in China and Europe.

Align's CEO, Joe Hogan, expressed pride in the company's long-term investments in innovation and the Chinese market, emphasizing the importance of protecting intellectual property to foster continued innovation and investment in groundbreaking technologies that benefit patients and practitioners. Align remains committed to fostering fair competition and advancing innovation while protecting its intellectual property rights as it continues to expand its global presence in orthodontics, digital dentistry, and restorative dentistry.