The Unified Patent Court (UPC) ruled that aligner systems incorporating Angelalign Technology’s Torque Ridges feature infringed Align Technology’s European patent relating to its Power Ridge technology, according to a press release.
The decision by the UPC’s Paris Local Division followed patent infringement proceedings initiated by Align in August 2025 against several companies within the Angelalign corporate group. The court rejected Angelalign’s challenges to the patent’s validity, ordered the company to recall and destroy infringing products, and awarded damages and other relief to Align.
The ruling prohibits Angelalign from offering infringing aligner systems incorporating Torque Ridges in 17 European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The decision may be appealed.
Align’s Power Ridge technology is designed to apply targeted forces to improve root torque control during orthodontic treatment and remains available through the Invisalign System.
Align disputed Angelalign’s characterization of Pressure Points as an upgrade or equivalent replacement for Torque Ridges. Align has not publicly stated whether Pressure Points implicates its intellectual property rights.
The decision followed other patent infringement proceedings involving the companies. In February 2026, the UPC issued a preliminary injunction concerning Angelalign’s infringement of Align’s patented ClinCheck Live Update technology. The UPC Court of Appeal subsequently upheld the injunction, while proceedings addressing the underlying claims remain ongoing.
The United States International Trade Commission conducted an evidentiary hearing involving five patents asserted by Align against Angelalign in July 2026. Align expects an initial determination on its claims in November 2026.
In August 2026, the Jinan Intermediate People’s Court in China issued a first-instance judgment finding that Angelalign’s use of its MasterForce biomechanical simulation and ATreat digital orthodontic treatment design system to generate A7 and A7 Speed premolar extraction treatment solutions infringed Align’s patent rights. The court also found infringement involving aligners manufactured and sold using the disputed technology. Angelalign appealed the judgment.
Align indicated that it would continue reviewing competing orthodontic technologies and pursuing patent enforcement proceedings as appropriate.
Figures and Images
