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Jan 14, 2003
Align Technology Denies Ormco Claims of Patent Infringement
Align Technology Denies Ormco Claims of Patent Infringement
Align Technology Denies Ormco Claims of Patent Infringement
Santa Clara, Calif. - January 14, 2003 -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN), the inventor of Invisalign®, a proprietary method of straightening teeth without wires and brackets, today denied all allegations of patent infringement by Ormco Orthodontics, a division of Sybron Dental Specialties, Inc. Earlier this week, Ormco filed suit against Align, claiming that the Company's manufacturing process infringes Ormco patents dating back to 1992.
Align Technology has reviewed the claims and attempted to clarify these issues for Ormco in the past. The Ormco patents describe computer-aided methods for designing conventional orthodontic appliances employing brackets and wires. Align believes that the patents in question do not cover any of Align's products or processes, and is confident that there is no infringement of any Ormco patents. Align will vigorously defend its rights during litigation.
Align is represented in this matter by leading intellectual property firm Townsend and Townsend and Crew LLP.
About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary new method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth. Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, nearly invisible, removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position. Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign significantly reduces the aesthetic and other limitations associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and older teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998.
To learn more about Invisalign or to find a certified Invisalign doctor, please visit www.invisalign.com or call 1-800-INVISIBLE.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on Align Technology's current expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the uncertainties involved in any litigation and the possibility of Align choosing to settle the litigation for business or other reasons. These factors, as well as other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, are discussed in more detail in Align Technology's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as in other reports and documents filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Align Technology has reviewed the claims and attempted to clarify these issues for Ormco in the past. The Ormco patents describe computer-aided methods for designing conventional orthodontic appliances employing brackets and wires. Align believes that the patents in question do not cover any of Align's products or processes, and is confident that there is no infringement of any Ormco patents. Align will vigorously defend its rights during litigation.
Align is represented in this matter by leading intellectual property firm Townsend and Townsend and Crew LLP.
About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary new method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth. Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, nearly invisible, removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position. Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign significantly reduces the aesthetic and other limitations associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and older teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998.
To learn more about Invisalign or to find a certified Invisalign doctor, please visit www.invisalign.com or call 1-800-INVISIBLE.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on Align Technology's current expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the uncertainties involved in any litigation and the possibility of Align choosing to settle the litigation for business or other reasons. These factors, as well as other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, are discussed in more detail in Align Technology's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as in other reports and documents filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.