The Unified Patent Court’s Paris Local Division ordered Angelalign to recall infringing aligners in 17 European countries after finding its Torque Ridges feature violated an Align Technology patent, with damages to be assessed later.
In its Oct. 16, 2026, decision, the court found that Angel Aligner Select and Pro aligners using Angelalign Technology Inc.’s AngelAttach system infringed claims 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8 of European patent EP 2 237 738 B1. It rejected Angelalign’s challenge to the patent’s validity.
Dhenne Avocats’ analysis says the order requires infringing products to be recalled, removed and destroyed in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia and Sweden. The analysis says aligners already delivered to patients whose treatment was underway are exempt. It says the measures cover cases where treatment had not started or had been interrupted.
Angelalign said it began offering Pressure Points in Europe in September, replacing Torque Ridges. The company said customers in Spain and outside Europe, including in the Americas and Asia, are unaffected, and described the ruling’s impact as minimal.
Align disputed Angelalign’s description of Pressure Points as an upgrade or equivalent replacement. Align said it had not publicly taken a position on whether the new feature implicates its intellectual-property rights. The ruling concerns Torque Ridges and makes no finding about Pressure Points.
Align said it began patent-infringement proceedings against Angelalign group companies in August 2025. It said the patent relates to its Power Ridge technology. Angelalign said it disagrees with the ruling, is reviewing it and evaluating its options, and will comply with the order.
Align said the decision is subject to appeal. Damages for Align will be assessed in separate proceedings.
