Paul Hastings LLP was recognized as a “runner up” for The American Lawyer’s Litigator of the Week for securing two antitrust defense victories on behalf of Align Technologies.   

In Simon and Simon, PC v. Align Technology, Inc. 3:20-cv-03754-VC (N.D. Cal) and Snow v. Align Technology, Inc., 3:21-cv-03269-VC (N.D.Cal), the plaintiffs alleged that Align violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act through an anticompetitive monopolization “scheme” including: 1) terminating interoperability with 3Shape, a Danish dental scanner manufacturer, 2) offering allegedly anticompetitive discounts, and 3) alleged exclusive dealing with doctors and dental service organizations. Judge Vince Chhabria of the Northern District of California previously certified classes in both cases on November 17, 2023. Judge Chhabria granted Align’s motions for summary judgment, stating it was “undisputed that termination of the interoperability agreement was bound up in Align’s decision to initiate intellectual property litigation against 3Shape” and recognized Align’s “desire to protect and enforce patent rights is a presumptively valid business justification.” 

Partners Bo Pearl, Michael Murray, and Tom Counts led the Paul Hastings team, which included Of Counsel Adam Reich; and associates Noah Pinegar, Michael Whalen, Emma Lanzon, Caitlin Devereaux, Jon Kosciewicz, Emma Farrow, and Taylor Farias.  

More details about the decision can be found here. 

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