Core Viewpoint - A patent dispute has erupted between two major players in the global invisible orthodontics market, Align Technology and Times Angel, with significant implications for market share and competition in the industry [2][3][10]. Group 1: Patent Dispute Details - Align Technology has filed patent infringement lawsuits against Times Angel in the US, Europe, and China, claiming that Times Angel's products infringe on five of its US utility patents related to core technologies [2][4]. - Times Angel has publicly denied the infringement claims and expressed confidence in winning the case, asserting that the lawsuit will not materially affect its business growth [5][6]. - The patents in question include key innovations in multi-layer aligner materials and advanced treatment planning technologies, which are crucial to Align's intellectual property portfolio [4][10]. Group 2: Market Position and Competition - Times Angel has surpassed Align Technology in the Chinese market, achieving a market share of 41.9% in 2023, which is 10 percentage points higher than Align's 31.8% [3][7]. - The ongoing patent dispute could significantly impact market shares across three continents, with both companies vying for dominance in the rapidly growing invisible orthodontics sector [3][10]. - Align Technology has historically dominated the global market, but recent trends indicate a decline in its market share, particularly in China, where it has faced increasing competition from Times Angel [7][9]. Group 3: Industry Growth and Future Outlook - The global invisible orthodontics market is projected to grow from $18 billion in 2023 to over $40 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 12% [10]. - The outcome of the patent litigation may reshape the competitive landscape of the invisible orthodontics market, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the involved companies [10]. - Times Angel's recent international expansion efforts, including establishing subsidiaries in key markets, have positioned it as a formidable competitor to Align Technology [8][9].
全球牙科器械巨头专利战打响，隐适美母公司爱齐科技起诉时代天使侵权