The company will launch iPlan, an upgraded feature for its iOrtho treatment planning software, in affected European countries following a preliminary injunction.
Angelalign Technology Inc says a ruling by the Unified Patent Court of Düsseldorf, Germany, will have minimal impact on the orthodontists and patients who use its clear aligner products. The company will launch iPlan for applicable European users in response to a preliminary injunction to cease use of certain software functions that automatically update treatment plans.
Details of the Ruling
The ruling concerns the Live Now feature in Angelalign’s iOrtho treatment planning software, which Align Technology Inc claims infringes on its patents. Angelalign denies that the feature infringes any valid patents.
The injunction applies to certain European countries and excludes Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Ireland. The company says its new iPlan feature is an upgrade with the same reliability and more flexibility for users.
Legal Actions and Outlook
Angelalign has filed an opposition against the patent with the European Patent Office (EPO), arguing that the invention is neither novel nor inventive. The company is seeking the patent’s permanent invalidation and is confident it will overcome the preliminary injunction.
“Angel respects and will comply with the Düsseldorf court’s ruling,” says Dr Arno Riße, Angel’s attorney at the Arnold Ruess law firm of Düsseldorf, in a release. “We will work hard to demonstrate that suspending the Live Now feature is unmerited. Angel takes intellectual property rights seriously and is careful not to infringe on valid patents.”
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