Align Technology Among Top 300 Worldwide Organizations Granted U.S. Patents in 2023
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Insights
Align Technology's significant increase in granted U.S. patents reflects a strategic emphasis on innovation and intellectual property (IP) as a competitive advantage. This development is likely to bolster investor confidence in Align's commitment to maintaining and expanding its market leadership in digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry. The surge in patents, particularly in technologies like AI for treatment planning and direct 3D printed devices, indicates potential new revenue streams and the strengthening of Align's product portfolio.
The company's focus on enhancing customer experience with products like the iTero Lumina intraoral scanner, which promises improved scanning speed and comfort, could translate into increased adoption rates by dental professionals. This adoption underpins future sales growth and could positively influence Align's market share and financial performance. However, the costs associated with R&D and IP protection should be monitored as they might impact profit margins.
With Align Technology's substantial investment in R&D culminating in a 36% increase in patents, there is a clear signal of the company's intent to lead in regulatory innovation. The granted patents, particularly for products like Invisalign Palatal Expanders and iTero Lumina intraoral scanners, suggest that Align is not only expanding its technological capabilities but also ensuring that these innovations meet stringent U.S. regulatory standards.
For stakeholders, this can mean a more robust defense against competitive pressures and potential market expansion due to regulatory compliance. However, the global regulatory landscape is diverse and Align must navigate each region's unique requirements to fully capitalize on its IP portfolio. The long-term success of these patented technologies will depend on their global regulatory approval and subsequent market acceptance.
The announcement of Align Technology's increased patent portfolio is a clear indicator of the company's aggressive growth strategy through innovation. The financial implications of this growth can be multi-faceted. On one hand, the development of cutting-edge products can lead to increased sales and market differentiation. On the other hand, the amortization of the associated R&D costs might affect short-term earnings.
Investors should consider the potential for these patents to act as barriers to entry for competitors, which could secure Align's market position and lead to sustained long-term profitability. Nevertheless, the cost of maintaining and defending this IP on a global scale is substantial and must be weighed against the expected future cash flows generated by these innovations.
Intellectual Property Owners Association Annual Report Lists 158 U.S. Patents Granted to Align in 2023 – a
“We’re pleased to be among the top worldwide organizations creating new possibilities through proven research in their industries,” said Julie Coletti, Align executive vice president, chief legal and regulatory officer. “Developing new solutions that delight our customers fuels Align’s purpose to transform smiles and change lives. Our patient-focused research and development programs have led to innovations designed to deliver world-class products that doctors and their patients trust to create better smiles.”
The patents granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office cover technologies that revolutionize the field of orthodontics and digital dentistry, through advancements in clear aligners, intraoral scanners, direct 3D printed orthodontic devices, restorative CAD/CAM software, and artificial intelligence (AI) in treatment planning. These patents include notable coverage for recently introduced groundbreaking products, such as:
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iTero™ Lumina intraoral scanner: The next generation of digital scanning technology that pushes the boundaries of what intraoral scanners can do and sets a new standard for practice performance. New proprietary iTero Multi-Direct Capture™ technology offers 3x wider field of capture1, high accuracy5 and maximum capture distance of 25 mm** for a smooth scanning experience for users and patients. Photorealistic scans enable high quality clinical decisions the same way intraoral photos do3. Advanced software enabling effortless, uninterrupted, and flexible scanning experience at 2x the speed4 in a
50% smaller2 wand for a more comfortable6 experience, for adults, kids, and teens alike. The iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner is available in both cart and mobile configurations on the iTero Plus Series platform.
- Invisalign® Palatal Expanders: Align’s first direct 3D printed orthodontic device provides a safe, comfortable, and clinically effective* alternative to traditional palatal expanders that require manually turning a screw in the device in the mouth daily to achieve expansion.
“Align has invested approximately
1. Compared to the field of view of the iTero Element™ 5D imaging system, when the iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner’s scanning distance is 12 mm.*
2. Compared to iTero Element™ 5D imaging system wand, excluding the wand cable.*
3. For Invisalign record-taking cases only. Based on a survey in September 2023 of n=22 users who participated in a global limited market release, working with iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner for an average period of 6 months, representing both Invisalign trained general practitioners and orthodontists in NA, EU and APAC, who were presented with a 4 point level of agreement scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree with the following statement: “iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner 3D model is comparable to that of an intraoral photo.” and “iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner photorealistic scans enable orthodontic clinical assessment the same way intraoral photos do.” and “iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner 3D model’s superior 3D model eliminates the need to take intraoral photos.” and “iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner 3D model’s superior 3D model boosts patient engagement.”*
4. Compared to iTero Element™ 5D wand with tolerance AVE=±0.1 operating at a working distance from 0-20 mm.*
5. The iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner has scientifically proven greater accuracy* for your clinical orthodontic needs.
6. For doctors and their staff: Over other iTero™ scanners in their respective clinics. Based on a survey in September 2023 of n=22 users who participated in a global limited market release, working with iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner for an average period of 6 months, representing both Invisalign® trained general practitioners, orthodontists, and their staff in NA, EMEA and APAC, who were presented with a 4 point level of agreement scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree with the following statement: “I prefer the iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner over other iTero scanners in my clinic due to the comfortable scanning experience it provides. For patients: Compared to iTero Element™ 5D imaging system wand.
*Compared to the accuracy of the iTero Element™ 5D imaging system.
**Data on file at Align Technology, as of November 15, 2023.
*Based on a survey in August 2023 in
About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign® system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero™ intraoral scanners and services, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 256 thousand doctor customers and is key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Over the past 26 years, Align has helped doctors treat approximately 17 million patients with the Invisalign system and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform™, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.
For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.
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Align Technology
Madelyn Valente
(909) 833-5839
mvalente@aligntech.com
Zeno Group
Sarah Johnson
(828) 551-4201
sarah.johnson@zenogroup.com
Source: Align Technology, Inc.
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