In a significant legal development impacting the dental alignment industry, Align Technology, the maker of Invisalign, has agreed to a $31.75 million settlement to resolve allegations of antitrust violations involving SmileDirectClub. The Invisalign antitrust class action settlement addresses claims that Align Technology entered into an agreement with SmileDirectClub to limit competition in the direct-to-consumer aligner market. This article outlines everything you need to know about the settlement, eligibility criteria, and how you can claim your share.
At Sparrow, we regularly cover important consumer rights topics, such as our recent guide on how to file a class action claim. Understanding settlements like this can help protect your consumer rights and recover compensation you might be entitled to.
Table of Contents
What is the Invisalign Antitrust Class Action Settlement?
Background of Invisalign Antitrust Case
Who is Eligible to File a Claim?
Settlement Benefits and Payouts
How to File a Claim
Key Dates and Deadlines
Importance of Antitrust Settlements
Conclusion
What is the Invisalign Antitrust Class Action Settlement?
The Invisalign antitrust class action settlement revolves around allegations of anticompetitive practices between Align Technology and SmileDirectClub. Consumers argued that this agreement unfairly restricted competition, causing increased prices for aligners and limiting consumer choice in the market.
Align Technology, known for its Invisalign clear aligners, faced scrutiny for allegedly collaborating with SmileDirectClub to suppress competitors and control market pricing. While Align Technology denies wrongdoing, they have agreed to settle the case to avoid prolonged litigation.
Background of Invisalign Antitrust Case
The lawsuit, Snow v. Align Technology Inc., filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, alleged that Align Technology violated the Sherman Antitrust Act. According to the complaint, Align entered into an anticompetitive agreement with SmileDirectClub to dominate the market by limiting competition in the direct-to-consumer teeth-aligning market.
Such antitrust practices harm consumers by inflating prices and reducing market choices. This specific case highlights significant issues in consumer rights, similar to the Hyundai defective airbag settlement we recently explored.
Who is Eligible to File a Claim?
Eligibility for the Invisalign antitrust class action settlement includes individuals who:
- Purchased SmileDirectClub aligners
- Made the purchase between October 22, 2017, and August 18, 2022
- Acquired aligners for personal use
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, reviewing the settlement website is advisable.
Settlement Benefits and Payouts
Under the terms of the Invisalign antitrust class action settlement:
- Eligible class members may receive a cash payment.
- Those identified in SmileDirectClub’s records will receive automatic payments.
- Others may file a claim to obtain their share.
- Payments are estimated between $40 and $60 per person, with a guaranteed minimum of $10.
These benefits aim to compensate affected consumers fairly and provide restitution for the alleged unfair market practices.
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim is straightforward. Class members should:
- Visit the official settlement website at SDCAlignerSettlement.com to check eligibility.
- Complete the claim form accurately.
- Submit the form online before October 27, 2025.
For detailed guidance on submitting claims, check out our comprehensive guide on filing class action claims effectively.
Key Dates and Deadlines
To ensure you don’t miss out on your compensation, take note of these critical dates:
- Claim Form Deadline: October 27, 2025
- Exclusion/Objection Deadline: October 30, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: November 20, 2025
Mark these dates on your calendar to ensure timely action.
Importance of Antitrust Settlements
Antitrust settlements like this one serve several critical purposes:
- They hold corporations accountable for unfair competitive practices.
- They safeguard consumer rights and maintain fair market conditions.
- They encourage transparency and fairness within industries, benefiting all consumers.
At Sparrow, we consistently highlight significant cases, such as the Disney gender discrimination settlement, to emphasize the importance of consumer awareness and rights protection.
Conclusion
The Invisalign antitrust class action settlement is a crucial development for consumers affected by anticompetitive practices. If you purchased SmileDirectClub aligners between October 2017 and August 2022, make sure you submit your claim to secure your rightful compensation.
Stay informed about similar settlements by regularly visiting our Sparrow Class Action Blog. Your awareness and proactive engagement can help ensure your consumer rights are protected.
Ready to claim your settlement payment? Submit your claim today.
