The company states that a recent European court decision regarding a discontinued feature will not affect ongoing orthodontic treatments.
Angelalign Technology Inc announced that a recent patent infringement ruling by the Paris Local Division of the Unified Patent Court will have minimal practical impact on its customers. The court ruled that the company’s Torque Ridges feature infringes on a patent held by Align Technology Inc for repositioning a patient’s teeth according to an orthodontic treatment plan.
Transition to New Technology
Angelalign says it had already discontinued the Torque Ridges feature in Europe prior to the ruling. In September 2026, the company replaced it in the European market with an upgraded feature called Pressure Points, which is designed to improve torque control. Orthodontists using Angelalign products in Europe will continue to have access to Pressure Points and ongoing clinical and technical support.
“Our priority is to ensure that orthodontists can continue delivering excellent care to their patients,” says Xavier Cherbavaz, general manager and vice president, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, in a release. “Torque Ridges has already been retired in Europe and replaced with Pressure Points, an approach intended to support controlled force application and tooth contact.”
Global Availability and Compliance
The ruling does not apply to Angelalign customers in Spain, the UK, or markets outside of Europe, including the Americas and Asia. While Angelalign stated it respectfully disagrees with the court’s decision and is evaluating its options, the company confirmed it will comply with the ruling, which includes the return of any affected products.
“Angel takes intellectual property rights seriously and is careful not to infringe on valid patents,” says Richard Hirschland, chief commercial officer and senior vice president, in a release. “We are reviewing the court’s reasoning carefully and will consider all available options. Angel will continue to innovate and improve its products to benefit its providers and their patients despite litigation by a competitor.”
Photo: Angelalign Technology
