SAN JOSE, Calif. and DUSSELDORF, Germany, Dec. 21, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALGN) today filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the District Court of Dusseldorf in the Federal Republic of Germany against Hamm-based Ortho Caps GmbH and its managing directors Dr. Wajeeh Khan and Ms. Jocelyne Khan asserting Ortho Caps infringes Align patents by making, offering to sell, and selling its clear aligner therapy systems.

Align also filed a patent infringement lawsuit today in the District Court of Dusseldorf in the Federal Republic of Germany against Rastede-based Rasteder KFO Spezial-Labor GmbH and its managing director Mr. Volker Hinrichs asserting Rasteder KFO Spezial-Labor infringes Align patents by making, offering to sell, and selling its clear aligner therapy systems.

In the lawsuit against Ortho Caps, Align asserts that Ortho Caps infringes five Align patents, numbers EP 2 263 599, EP 2 263 598, EP 0 989 828, EP 1 369 091, and EP 1 143 872, with respect to the production and sale of Ortho Caps aligners. In the lawsuit against Rasteder KFO Spezial-Labor, Align asserts that Rasteder KFO Spezial-Labor infringes four Align patents, numbers EP 2 263 599, EP 2 263 598, EP 0 989 828, and EP 1 369 091, with respect to the production and sale of Rasteder KFO Spezial-Labor aligners. The patents-in-suit cover a wide range of processes and products relating to clear aligner therapy. Align is seeking a declaratory judgment regarding monetary damages and injunctive relief against further infringement. As is customary in Germany, service of the complaints will be effected by the court and is expected to be completed in the near future.

"Laws prohibiting patent infringement are there to protect innovative companies like Align as well as the consumers who use our products," said Roger E. George, Align's vice president, legal affairs and general counsel. "We will take all necessary actions to protect Align and its shareholders from unlawful competitive practices, including infringement of our intellectual property rights."

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary system 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 teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998. Align Technology meets the requirements of the European Union's Medical Device Directives which allows Align Technology to sell Invisalign in Europe.The Invisalign product family includes Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign Assist, Invisalign Express 10, and Vivera Retainers. To learn more about Invisalign or to find an Invisalign trained doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com.

Cadent Holdings, Inc. is a subsidiary of Align Technology and is a leading provider of 3D digital scanning solutions for orthodontics and dentistry. The Cadent family of products includes iTero and iOC scanning systems, OrthoCAD iCast, OrthoCAD iQ and OrthoCAD iRecord. For additional information, please visit www.cadentinc.com.

CONTACT: Investor Relations Contact

         Shirley Stacy

         Align Technology, Inc.

         (408) 470-1150

         sstacy@aligntech.com

         

         Press Contact

         Shannon Mangum Henderson

         Ethos Communication, Inc.

         (678) 261-7803

         align@ethoscommunication.com