SAN JOSE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/08/18 -- Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN) announced today that on February 5, 2018, a three-judge panel of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board ("PTAB") entered its decision refusing to institute an inter partes review ("IPR") trial proceeding sought by ClearCorrect to challenge the patentability of Align's patent no. 8,038,444, entitled "Automated Treatment Staging for Teeth" ("the '444 patent"). The decision found that ClearCorrect had failed to show a reasonable likelihood that any of the 42 claims in the '444 patent were unpatentable, and thus the panel unanimously refused to institute the trial proceeding requested by ClearCorrect.
The claims of the '444 patent relate to methods, systems, and devices for computer implemented treatment staging of tooth movements during an alignment treatment. The '444 patent was filed on August 30, 2007 and does not expire until 2030.
"We're pleased that the Appeal Board affirmed our advanced treatment planning patent, which is just one of many patents that make up Align's robust intellectual property portfolio and that will benefit Align through the next decade and beyond," said Roger E. George, Align Technology vice president and general counsel. "We believe ClearCorrect initiated this action against the '444 patent because of the advanced technology it covers and the fact that it does not expire until 2030. Align will continue to vigorously defend its patents against challenges and enforce them against infringers where appropriate."
About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign® system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, and iTero® intraoral scanners and services. Align's products help dental professionals achieve the clinical results they expect and deliver effective, cutting-edge dental options to their patients. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.
For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign provider in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com.
Align Technology
Yin Cantor
(408) 470-1044
ycantor@aligntech.com
Ethos Communication:
Shannon Mangum Henderson
(678) 261-7803
align@ethoscommunication.com
Source: Align Technology
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