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Align Technology Named in Class Action Lawsuit
SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 13, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALGN) today announced that a complaint was filed against the Company on May 10, 2010 by Christopher J. Leiszler in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Dr. Leiszler alleges that Align Technology implemented unfair and fraudulent requirements for the prescription of Invisalign through the Company's Proficiency Requirements. Dr. Leiszler, a general practice dentist in Kansas City, Missouri, attended Invisalign training in 2008 and had started one Invisalign case since that time. His Invisalign provider status was changed in January 2010 for failing to meet the Company's proficiency requirements. Dr. Leiszler purports to sue on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated. The complaint seeks a refund of the price paid to Align for Invisalign training.
Align has reviewed the complaint and will vigorously defend against the litigation.
In June 2009 Align launched an Invisalign proficiency program to help ensure Invisalign providers build a baseline of Invisalign product experience and knowledge through minimum annual case and continuing education (CE) goals. As previously announced on April 22, Align has changed the Invisalign proficiency program so that Invisalign-trained doctors are no longer required to start a minimum of ten shipped cases per year to maintain their active provider status. Doctors are still required to complete a minimum of ten Invisalign continuing education (CE) hours per year. Doctors who do not complete a minimum of ten Invisalign CE hours in a calendar year will have their Invisalign accounts temporarily suspended until they complete the minimum CE hours. With more than 200 hours of lecture-based and online learning opportunities, Align's robust educational curriculum makes it convenient for doctors of every Invisalign experience level to stay current with product and clinical advancements. Doctors whose customer accounts were deactivated or changed to limited status for failing to meet the 2009 proficiency requirements can reactivate their account and start using Invisalign again at any time by completing a Clear Essentials I or Clear Principles training course and thereafter meeting the annual ten CE hour requirement. More information on the proficiency program and related changes are available at http://vip.invisalign.com/proficiency.
About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary 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 teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998. Today, the Invisalign product family includes Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign Assist, Invisalign Express, and Vivera Retainers.
To learn more about Invisalign or to find an Invisalign trained doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com or call 1-800-INVISIBLE.
This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com
SOURCE: Align Technology
CONTACT: Align Technology, Inc. Investor Relations Contact Shirley Stacy (408) 470-1150 sstacy@aligntech.com Ethos Communication, Inc. Press Contact Shannon Mangum Henderson (678) 261-7803 align@ethoscommunication.com
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