Align Technology Files Lawsuit
Santa Clara, California (ots/PRNewswire)
Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN), the inventor of Invisalign(R), a proprietary method of straightening teeth without wires and brackets, today filed a multi-claim lawsuit in San Francisco County Superior Court against defendants OrthoClear, Inc., OrthoClear Holdings, Inc., Muhammad Ziaullah Chishti, Bao Tran, Peter Riepenhausen, Joe Breeland, Jeff Tunnell, Christopher Kawaja, and Charles Wen. Among other things, the lawsuit alleges tortious and illegal actions arising out of defendants' plan to unlawfully utilize Align's intellectual property, confidential information and employees.
In addition, the lawsuit alleges that OrthoClear, Mr. Chishti and the persons named above are in breach of contractual obligations, statutory law, and common law, for the purpose of attempting to intentionally interfere and disrupt Align's on-going operations and improperly gain access to Align's customer relationships and trade secrets.
"We will take all necessary actions to protect Align's vital corporate assets and technology leadership on behalf of our shareholders," stated Thomas M. Prescott, Align Technology's President and CEO. "The success of Invisalign is not easily replicated. Our leading market position is the product of substantial investment and many years of extensive research and development. We intend to vigorously enforce all of our legal rights."
By its Complaint, Align seeks injunctive relief and monetary damages in an amount to be determined.
Align Webcast and Conference Call
Align Technology held a conference call, February 3, 2005 at 9:00 a.m. EST, 6:00 a.m. PST, to discuss this press release. To access the archived webcast visit Align Technology's Investor Relations web site at http://www.aligntech.com/generalapp/us/en/corporate/investor_frameset.jsp . To access, a telephonic replay of the call dial +1-877-660-6853, account number 292# and conference number 138328#. International locations dial +1-201-612-7415 account number 292# and conference number 138328#. The telephonic replay will be available through 5:30 p.m. EST on February 10, 2005.
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 older teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998.
To learn more about Invisalign or to find a certified Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com or call +1-800-INVISIBLE.
CONTACT: investors, Barbara Domingo of Align Technology, Inc., +1-408-470-1204, or bdomingo@aligntech.com; or media, Shannon Henderson of Ethos Communications, Inc., +1-678-417-1767, or shannon@ethoscommunication.com, for Align.
Web site: http://www.invisalign.com
Contact:
Investors, Barbara Domingo of Align Technology, Inc.,
+1-408-470-1204, or bdomingo@aligntech.com; or media, Shannon
Henderson of Ethos Communications, Inc., +1-678-417-1767, or
shannon@ethoscommunication.com, for Align