SAN JOSE, Calif. & TEMPE, Ariz., August 12, 2026–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Align Technology, Inc. (“Align”) (Nasdaq: ALGN), a leading global medical device company that designs, manufactures, and sells the Invisalign® System of clear aligners, today announced that the Jinan Intermediate People’s Court in China issued a judgment in favor of Align in a patent infringement action against Angelalign Technology’s operating subsidiaries in China (“Angel”) (Hong Kong Stock Exchange: 6699.HK).
In September 2025, Align filed a patent infringement action against Angel in the Jinan Intermediate People’s Court, asserting Align’s patent related to extraction-gap-closure technology (CN113693748B). On August 10, 2026, the Jinan Intermediate People’s Court issued a first-instance judgment finding that Angel’s use of its MasterForce biomechanical simulation system and ATreat digital orthodontic treatment design system to generate A7 and A7 Speed premolar extraction treatment solutions infringes Align’s patent rights. The court further found that the related aligner products manufactured and sold using the accused technology also infringe Align’s patent. Angel may appeal the judgment to the Supreme People’s Court. The deadline for filing an appeal has not yet expired.
The court ordered Angel to cease using the patented technology and to stop manufacturing and selling the infringing products in China and awarded Align RMB 10 million in damages. While the ruling remains subject to appeal, Align believes the decision further reinforces the strength of its intellectual property portfolio and ongoing commitment to protecting its innovations globally.
The ruling follows other recent developments in Align’s patent-enforcement actions against Angel. In February 2026, the Unified Patent Court (“UPC”) issued a preliminary injunction requiring Angel to cease infringement of Align’s patented ClinCheck® Live Update technology, a decision that was subsequently upheld on appeal. In July 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) conducted an evidentiary hearing concerning five patents asserted by Align against Angel. Align expects that the ITC will make its initial determination regarding the merits of Align’s claims in November 2026. Align also continues to pursue additional patent infringement actions against Angel affiliates in China and Europe.
“Align has made significant long-term investments in innovation and in the Chinese market,” said Joe Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Align Technology. “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. This decision reinforces the value and strength of Align’s intellectual property portfolio and the significant investments we have made to develop industry-leading technologies. We remain committed to supporting fair competition, advancing innovation, and protecting our intellectual property rights while competing in the marketplace.”
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