Nashville, Tenn.-based SmileDirectClub has filed a complaint for patent infringement against New York City-based Candid, alleging the teledentistry company copied their model, according to an April 29 news release.
The complaint against Candid comes immediately after SmileDirectClub announced it was granted a patent for its production and marketing process for clear dental aligners, according to the Nashville Post. Launched in 2017, Candid currently has 24 sites across the U.S. and secured nearly $90 million in funding in its first two years.
The complaint claims Candid replicated SmileDirectClub's teledentistry platform, including the launch of "Candid Studios" two years after the introduction of "SmileShops."
"The receipt of the patent to protect our intellectual property surrounding our customer-oriented care model is an important milestone for our company," David Katzman, SmileDirectClub CEO, said in a statement cited by the Nashville Post. "We are now able to better defend ourselves against copycat models, including Candid, who have built entire companies by directly replicating our successful teledentistry platform."
SmileDirectClub is seeking damages and injunctive relief.