Align Technology (Nasdaq: ALGN) announced that the Jinan Intermediate People's Court in China issued a first-instance judgment in its favor in a patent infringement case against Angelalign Technology's China subsidiaries (Hong Kong Stock Exchange: 6699.HK).

Align filed the action in September 2025, asserting a patent related to extraction-gap-closure technology (CN113693748B). The court found that Angelalign'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. The court also found that aligner products manufactured and sold using the accused technology infringe the patent.

The court ordered Angelalign to cease using the patented technology and to stop manufacturing and selling the infringing products in China. Align was awarded RMB 10 million in damages. Angelalign may appeal the judgment to the Supreme People's Court, and the deadline for filing an appeal has not yet expired.

The ruling follows other recent legal developments involving the two companies. In February 2026, the Unified Patent Court issued a preliminary injunction requiring Angelalign to cease infringement of Align's ClinCheck Live Update technology, a decision upheld on appeal. In July 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission conducted an evidentiary hearing concerning five patents asserted by Align against Angelalign, with an initial determination expected in November 2026.

"We respect the role of China's courts in protecting intellectual property rights and are encouraged by this decision," said Joe Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Align Technology. Align stated it continues to pursue additional patent infringement actions against Angelalign affiliates in China and Europe.