SmileDirectClub could continue its legal battle with Align Technology for several years after appealing a settlement recently awarded to the Invisalign manufacturer.
In August, the Superior Court of California granted Align Technology's petition to confirm a $63 million award after ruling that SmileDirectClub violated the terms of a supply agreement, causing damages to Align Technology.
SmileDirectClub later announced that it intended to appeal that decision, stating that Align procured the award through undue means and denied SmileDirectClub a full and fair hearing. Court documents shared with Becker's show that SmileDirectClub accused Align Technology of withholding critical information that could have helped SDC's defense.
If SmileDirectClub's appeal is successful, Align will be responsible for any costs SmileDirectClub incurs during the appeal process.
A source close to the situation told Becker's that the lawsuit is an attempt by Align Technology to monopolize the clear aligner and scanner markets.
The appeal process could take at least four years before a final decision is made, the source told Becker's.
Becker's has contacted Align Technology for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.