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EU opens antitrust probe into Align Technology over Invisalign, scanner tying - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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EU opens antitrust probe into Align Technology over Invisalign, scanner tying

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 30, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: June 30, 2026

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EU Investigates Align Technology Over Possible Tying of Invisalign and iTero Scanners

European Commission Opens Antitrust Investigation

Background of the Investigation

BRUSSELS, June 30 (Reuters) - The European Commission said on Tuesday that it has opened an antitrust investigation into U.S.-based Align Technology over suspected tying of its iTero intra-oral scanners to Invisalign clear aligners in the European Economic Area.

Reason for the Probe

The probe, prompted by a competitor's complaint, will assess whether the practices breach EU competition rules.

Reporting Details

(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Editing by Sharon Singletonby)

Key Takeaways

  • The probe targets possible tying practices by Align Technology—specifically, requiring iTero scanner use to access Invisalign services within the European Economic Area, as alleged by a competitor and now under EU scrutiny.
  • Align Technology is a major global player in orthodontic technology—best known for Invisalign aligners and iTero scanners—and recently faced investor pressure with Elliott Investment Management building a significant stake to push for performance improvements (en.wikipedia.org).
  • This investigation comes amid heightened EU vigilance on antitrust issues, following cases against tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Apple, reflecting broader concerns around tying, market dominance, and fairness under EU competition rules (marketscreener.com).

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What company is under EU antitrust investigation?
U.S.-based Align Technology is under investigation by the European Commission.
What products are involved in the EU investigation?
The investigation concerns Align Technology's iTero intra-oral scanners and Invisalign clear aligners.
Why did the European Commission open the probe?
The probe was opened after a competitor's complaint about suspected tying practices.
What is the focus of the EU antitrust probe?
The probe will assess if Align Technology’s practices breach EU competition rules by tying products.

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