_UPDATE: _The Court granted summary judgement, ruling in favor of Align Technology. No awards to class members will be available.
Align Technology, Inc. has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged anticompetitive conduct causing those who purchased Invisalign Aligners directly from Align to pay more than they should have for those Aligners. This settlement may benefit dentists or orthodontists who purchased Invisalign directly from Align between January 1, 2019, and March 31, 2022.
Who Benefits?: Dentists or orthodontists who purchased Invisalign directly from Align during the specified period.
How much can I get?: The amount each claimant can receive will depend on the final settlement details and the number of claims filed.
Important Dates
- Deadline to File a Claim: The claim deadline is not specified. Please refer to the official settlement website for updates.
- Deadline to Exclude Yourself: March 15, 2024
- Trial Date: May 13, 2024
Can I Claim an Award?
To be eligible for an award, you must be a dentist or orthodontist who purchased Invisalign Aligners directly from Align between January 1, 2019, and March 31, 2022. The class includes all persons or entities in the United States that made such purchases within this period. If you meet these criteria, you are automatically included in the class unless you choose to exclude yourself.
Class Members are those who have made direct purchases from Align. This does not include indirect purchasers or those who bought Invisalign Aligners through third parties or distributors. The class specifically excludes Align, its subsidiaries, affiliate entities, and employees, as well as all federal or state government entities or agencies.
Who is Excluded?
The class excludes Align, its subsidiaries, affiliate entities, and employees, as well as all federal or state government entities or agencies.
What Can Class Members Claim?
Class Members can claim monetary compensation for the allegedly inflated prices they paid for Invisalign Aligners. The exact amount each claimant will receive depends on the total settlement amount and the number of claims filed.
The Plaintiffs are seeking compensation for the inflated prices paid due to the alleged anticompetitive conduct. The settlement aims to reimburse Class Members for the overcharges they incurred.
Why Invisalign Aligners
The settlement concerns Invisalign Aligners, which are custom-manufactured, transparent, removable dental aligners made from clear plastic. These aligners are used for orthodontic treatment and are sold directly by Align Technology, Inc.
Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?
Yes, proof of purchase is required to claim an award. Claimants need to provide documentation showing that they purchased Invisalign Aligners directly from Align during the specified period.
- Proof of purchase documentation
- Invoices or receipts showing direct purchases from Align
How to Claim Your Award
To claim your award, you need to submit a claim form along with the required proof of purchase. The claim form and instructions can be found on the official settlement website. Ensure that you provide all necessary documentation to support your claim.
For further assistance, you can contact the Class Administrator at 1-888-803-3968 or write to Align Direct Purchaser Antitrust, c/o Class Administrator, P.O. Box 2418, Portland, OR 97208-2418.
Why There is a Class Action Settlement
The class action settlement was initiated because Plaintiffs alleged that Align Technology, Inc. engaged in anticompetitive conduct, which led to inflated prices for Invisalign Aligners. The Plaintiffs claim that Align's actions violated the Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2, by monopolizing the market for aligners through exclusionary practices and bundled rebate programs.
The next steps involve the trial scheduled for May 13, 2024, where the Plaintiffs will need to prove their claims. If successful, the settlement amount will be distributed to eligible Class Members. Stay updated by visiting the official settlement website for any changes or additional information.
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