What Is the Snow v. Align Technology Inc. Lawsuit About?
The Snow v. Align Technology Inc. case is a federal antitrust class action lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The lead plaintiff, Misty Snow, filed the complaint on behalf of herself and all consumers who purchased SmileDirectClub (SDC) clear aligners during a specific period. The lawsuit alleges that Align Technology Inc., the manufacturer of Invisalign, engaged in anticompetitive conduct that harmed consumers by causing them to overpay for SmileDirectClub aligners.
The Antitrust Allegations Against Align Technology
At the heart of the lawsuit is an alleged violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1), the cornerstone of federal antitrust law in the United States. In plain terms, plaintiffs alleged that Align Technology used its dominant market position to restrain competition in the clear aligner market.
The specific anticompetitive conduct alleged includes arrangements with SmileDirectClub that limited how SDC competed in the marketplace. Plaintiffs contend these arrangements constituted market allocation and had the practical effect of price fixing — meaning consumers who bought SmileDirectClub aligners were paying artificially inflated prices and were overcharged as a direct result of Align’s conduct. This is the consumer harm at the core of the case.
It is important to note that Align Technology has denied all wrongdoing. The company maintains that its business practices were lawful and competitive. The settlement does not represent an admission of liability or fault by Align Technology.
Key Case Details and Current Status
The following are the essential procedural facts about this litigation:
- Court: United States District Court, Northern District of California
- Presiding Judge: The Honorable Vince Chhabria
- Defendant: Align Technology, Inc. (maker of Invisalign)
- Lead Plaintiff / Class Representative: Misty Snow
- Plaintiffs’ Counsel: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
- Case Filed: 2021
- Settlement Reached: 2024
- Preliminary Approval Granted: May 28, 2025
- Current Status: Preliminary Approval granted; Final Approval hearing pending
On May 28, 2025, Judge Chhabria issued an Order Granting Preliminary Approval of the proposed settlement. This order does not constitute a final judgment. It means the Court has found the settlement to be sufficiently fair, reasonable, and adequate to warrant notifying the class and proceeding to a final approval hearing. The Court retains jurisdiction over the case through the final approval process.
Am I a Member of the Settlement Class? (Eligibility)
Whether you are entitled to participate in this settlement depends entirely on whether you fall within the definition of the “Settlement Class” as defined in the Settlement Agreement and approved by the Court. Read this section carefully.
Who Is Included in the Settlement?
The Settlement Class is defined as follows: All persons residing in the United States who purchased SmileDirectClub clear aligners for their own personal use at any time between October 22, 2017, and August 18, 2022 (the “Class Period”).
To break this down into a simple checklist, you are likely a class member if ALL of the following are true:
- You are a person (an individual, not a company or organization)
- You reside in the United States
- You purchased SmileDirectClub (SDC) clear aligners
- Your purchase was for your own personal use (not for resale or business purposes)
- Your purchase occurred between October 22, 2017, and August 18, 2022 (inclusive)
If you meet all five criteria above, you are presumptively a member of the Settlement Class and may be eligible to file a claim and receive a payment from the Settlement Fund.
Who Is Excluded From the Settlement?
The following persons and entities are expressly excluded from the Settlement Class and are not eligible to participate:
- Align Technology, Inc. and any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, and related entities
- Officers, directors, and employees of Align Technology, Inc.
- SmileDirectClub and its officers, directors, and employees
- Federal, state, or local government entities
- The presiding judge, Judge Vince Chhabria, and any members of his immediate family, as well as any other judicial officer assigned to this case
- Any person who timely and validly submits a request for exclusion (opt-out) from the Settlement Class
What Are My Options Under the Settlement?
Every person who qualifies as a Settlement Class Member has four distinct options available to them. Each option carries different consequences. Review the comparison table and individual descriptions below carefully before making your decision.
Overview of Your Four Options:
| Option | Action Required | Receive Payment? | Keep Right to Sue? | Bound by Settlement? |
| 1. File a Claim | Submit Claim Form by deadline | YES (if valid) | NO | YES |
| 2. Do Nothing | No action required | NO | NO | YES |
| 3. Exclude Yourself | Submit written opt-out request | NO | YES | NO |
| 4. Object | Submit written objection to Court | YES (if valid claim filed) | NO | YES |
Option 1: File a Claim to Receive a Payment
This is the most common choice for class members who want to receive compensation from the $31.75 million Settlement Fund. To receive a payment, you must:
- Complete and submit an official Claim Form (available at www.sdcalignersettlement.com or by request from the Claims Administrator)
- Provide the required information about your SmileDirectClub aligner purchase, including dates and amounts paid
- Attach supporting documentation, such as receipts, order confirmation emails, bank or credit card statements, or any other proof of purchase where available
- Ensure your completed Claim Form is submitted or postmarked by the official claim filing deadline (120 days after the Notice Date — check www.sdcalignersettlement.com for the specific date)
If you do not have proof of purchase, do not automatically assume you cannot file. The Claim Form instructions address situations where documentation may be limited. Submit your best available evidence and follow the Claims Administrator’s guidance.
Option 2: Do Nothing (Receive No Payment, Lose Legal Rights)
If you take no action — neither file a claim, opt out, nor object — the following consequences apply:
- You will NOT receive any payment from the Settlement Fund
- You will still be legally bound by the terms of the settlement, including the release of all claims
- You permanently give up your right to sue Align Technology separately for the conduct alleged in this lawsuit
Doing nothing is generally the least advantageous option for eligible class members who suffered harm. You give up your rights without receiving anything in return.
Option 3: Exclude Yourself (Opt-Out)
If you wish to preserve your right to file your own individual lawsuit against Align Technology based on the same conduct, you may request exclusion from the Settlement Class (commonly called “opting out”). To opt out, you must:
- Submit a written request for exclusion to the Claims Administrator (Epiq LLC)
- Include your full name, address, telephone number, and a statement that you wish to be excluded from the Settlement Class in Snow v. Align Technology
- Ensure your opt-out request is postmarked no later than 21 days before the Final Approval Hearing
Important: If you exclude yourself, you will receive no money from this settlement. The value of opting out only makes sense if you have substantial individual claims and intend to pursue independent litigation. Consult an attorney before opting out.
Option 4: Object to the Settlement
If you believe the settlement is unfair, inadequate, or unreasonable, you have the right to object and tell the Court your reasons. To formally object, you must:
- Remain a member of the Settlement Class (do NOT also submit an opt-out request)
- Submit a written objection to the Court stating the specific grounds for your objection
- Include your name, address, contact information, proof of class membership, and whether you intend to appear at the Settlement Hearing
- File your written objection no later than 21 days before the Final Approval Hearing
Objecting does not prevent you from also filing a Claim Form. You can object to the settlement terms while simultaneously submitting a claim for payment. The Court will consider all timely objections at the Final Approval Hearing.
How Much Money Will Class Members Receive?
The total Settlement Fund is $31.75 million. This amount was negotiated following arms-length negotiations with the assistance of an experienced independent mediator, and it represents the amount Align Technology has agreed to pay to resolve this litigation.
However, the amount individual class members receive will depend on several factors:
- Attorneys’ Fees and Costs: Class Counsel (Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP) will apply to the Court for an award of attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of litigation expenses from the Settlement Fund. These amounts are subject to Court approval and will reduce the net fund available for distribution to class members.
- Claims Administration Costs: The fees and costs of Epiq LLC (the Claims Administrator) and the Escrow Agent (Huntington Bank) will also be deducted from the Settlement Fund.
- Number of Valid Claims Filed: The remaining net Settlement Fund will be distributed to eligible class members who file timely, valid claims according to the Plan of Allocation. The more valid claims filed, the smaller each individual payment will be.
- Plan of Allocation: The Plan of Allocation governs how the net fund is divided. Payments to individual class members are expected to be proportional to the amount each class member paid for their SmileDirectClub aligners, though the specific formula will be detailed in the Plan of Allocation document available on the settlement website.
Note on the $275 Million Figure: You may have seen news reports referencing a $275 million settlement in connection with this litigation. That figure refers to a separate, broader antitrust settlement involving different claims and parties. The $31.75 million is the specific Settlement Fund established for this consumer class action — Snow v. Align Technology — for the benefit of SmileDirectClub aligner purchasers. These are distinct matters, and the $31.75 million is the amount relevant to your potential claim.
Important Deadlines & Upcoming Court Dates
The following timeline summarizes the key dates in this settlement process. Note that some dates are calculated relative to the “Notice Date” (the date the Court-approved class notice was first distributed). Check the official settlement website regularly for confirmed calendar dates.
| Milestone / Event | Timing / Deadline | Notes |
| Notice Date | Established by Court Order | The date the Settlement Notice is first distributed to the class |
| Claim Form Deadline | 120 days after Notice Date | Claim Form must be submitted or postmarked by this date to be valid |
| Exclusion (Opt-Out) Deadline | 21 days before Final Approval Hearing | Written opt-out request must be postmarked by this date |
| Objection Deadline | 21 days before Final Approval Hearing | Written objection must be filed with Court by this date |
| Motion for Attorneys’ Fees Deadline | To be set by Court | Class Counsel must file fee application before this date |
| Final Approval Hearing | To be set by Judge Chhabria | The Court will decide whether to grant Final Approval |
| Distribution of Settlement Funds | Following Final Approval (no appeals) | Payments issued to valid claimants after all deadlines and approvals |
Action Required: Visit www.sdcalignersettlement.com or contact the Claims Administrator at Epiq LLC to obtain confirmed deadline dates. Missing the Claim Form deadline will permanently bar you from receiving any payment from the Settlement Fund.
FAQs
What is the total settlement amount in Snow v. Align Technology?
The total Settlement Fund is $31.75 million. After deduction of Court-approved attorneys’ fees, litigation costs, and claims administration expenses, the remaining net amount will be distributed to class members who file valid, timely claims according to the Plan of Allocation.
When is the deadline to file a claim?
The Claim Form deadline is 120 days after the Notice Date. The Notice Date is established by the Court. To confirm the exact calendar deadline, visit the official settlement website at www.sdcalignersettlement.com or contact Epiq LLC (the Claims Administrator) directly. Do not miss this deadline — there are no exceptions for late claims.
How do I file a claim form?
To file a claim, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official settlement website at www.sdcalignersettlement.com
Step 2: Locate and download (or request by mail) the official Claim Form
Step 3: Complete the Claim Form with accurate information about your SmileDirectClub purchase(s)
Step 4: Gather and attach supporting documentation (receipts, order confirmations, credit card statements)
Step 5: Submit your completed form online or by mail, ensuring it is submitted or postmarked on or before the Claim Form Deadline.
What is the difference between the $31.75 million and the $275 million settlement?
These are two distinct legal matters. The $275 million figure relates to a separate antitrust settlement involving different parties and claims in the broader Align Technology litigation. The $31.75 million Settlement Fund is specifically for the Snow v. Align Technology consumer class action, which covers purchasers of SmileDirectClub aligners during the Class Period. If you purchased SDC aligners between October 22, 2017, and August 18, 2022, the relevant fund for your potential claim is $31.75 million.
Why did Align Technology settle without admitting wrongdoing?
Settlements without admissions of wrongdoing are extremely common in class action litigation, including antitrust cases. Defendants agree to pay a settlement fund in exchange for a release of claims, while avoiding the cost, uncertainty, and reputational risk of a full trial. The Court’s role in reviewing and approving the settlement (applying standards of fairness, reasonableness, and adequacy under Rule 23) provides an independent check to ensure the settlement is appropriate even in the absence of an admission. Align Technology’s settlement is not evidence of guilt or liability.
Do I need a lawyer to file a claim or participate?
No. You do not need to hire an attorney to file a claim, exclude yourself, or object to the settlement. The process is designed to be accessible to individual consumers. Class Counsel (Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP) represents the interests of the entire Settlement Class. However, if you are considering opting out to pursue independent litigation, or if you have complex circumstances, consulting with your own attorney is strongly advisable.
What if I do not have proof of purchase for my SmileDirectClub aligners?
The absence of a physical receipt does not necessarily disqualify you from filing a claim. Many purchases have digital records — check your email inbox for order confirmation messages from SmileDirectClub, review your online SmileDirectClub account history if applicable, and check bank or credit card statements for payment records. The Claim Form instructions will provide guidance on what to do if documentation is unavailable. Submit your claim with whatever evidence you have and follow the Claims Administrator’s instructions.
What is the difference between excluding myself and objecting?
These are two very different actions with very different consequences. Excluding yourself (opting out) means you leave the settlement entirely — you receive no money but retain your right to sue Align Technology on your own. Objecting means you stay in the class and tell the Court that you think the settlement terms are unfair; if your objection is overruled, you are still bound by the settlement. You can object and file a claim simultaneously. You cannot both opt out and object — once you opt out, you are no longer a class member and have no standing to object.
Who is the Claims Administrator and how do I contact them?
The Court-appointed Claims Administrator is Epiq LLC, a nationally recognized class action administration firm. Epiq is responsible for processing all Claim Forms, verifying eligibility, distributing settlement payments, and handling exclusion and objection requests. The Escrow Agent holding the Settlement Fund is Huntington Bank. For official contact information, visit: www.sdcalignersettlement.com.
When will I receive my payment?
Settlement payments will not be distributed until after the Court grants Final Approval at the Final Approval Hearing and all appeal periods have expired without any appeals being filed (or all appeals have been resolved). The precise distribution timeline will depend on the pace of litigation. As a general guide, class action distributions typically occur several months after Final Approval. Monitor the official settlement website for updates.
Case Timeline
The following is a simplified chronological timeline of key events in the Snow v. Align Technology litigation:
| Year / Date | Event |
| 2017 (Oct 22) | Start of Class Period — SmileDirectClub aligner purchasers begin to be affected by alleged anticompetitive conduct |
| 2021 | Complaint Filed — Misty Snow and co-plaintiffs file the class action complaint in U.S. District Court, Northern District of California |
| 2022 (Aug 18) | End of Class Period — purchases after this date are not covered by the settlement |
| 2024 | Settlement Reached — Align Technology and Class Counsel reach a $31.75 million settlement agreement following arms-length negotiations with a mediator |
| May 28, 2025 | Preliminary Approval Granted — Judge Vince Chhabria issues Order Granting Preliminary Approval; class notice process begins |
| 2025 (TBD) | Claim Filing Deadline — 120 days after Notice Date; class members must file claims by this date |
| 2025 / 2026 (TBD) | Final Approval Hearing — Judge Chhabria will consider whether to grant Final Approval |
| Following Final Approval | Distribution — Valid claimants receive their pro-rata share of the net Settlement Fund |
Official Resources and Contact Information
The following are the only official sources of information and assistance for the Snow v. Align Technology settlement. Beware of unofficial websites or unsolicited contacts claiming to assist with your claim.
Official Settlement Website
- Website: www.sdcalignersettlement.com
- The official settlement website contains the Claim Form, Long-Form Notice, Short Form Notice, Settlement Agreement, key dates, FAQs, and online claim filing capability
Claims Administrator
- Epiq LLC (Court-Appointed Claims Administrator)
- Contact Epiq for questions about claim filing, eligibility, opt-out procedures, or the status of your claim
- Contact details available at: www.sdcalignersettlement.com
Class Counsel
- Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
- Class Counsel represents the interests of all Settlement Class Members
- Contact details and attorney information available at: www.hbsslaw.com
Escrow Agent
- Huntington Bank (Settlement Escrow Agent)
- Huntington Bank holds the Settlement Fund in escrow until distribution is authorized by the Court
IMPORTANT LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This article has been prepared for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by reading this document. The information contained herein is based on publicly available court filings and settlement documents as of June 2025 and is subject to change. Deadlines, procedures, and settlement terms may be modified by subsequent Court orders. Always verify current information at the official settlement website (www.sdcalignersettlement.com) and consult a licensed attorney if you have specific legal questions or are considering opting out of the Settlement Class.
Adrian Cole is a technology researcher and AI content specialist with more than seven years of experience studying automation, machine learning models, and digital innovation. He has worked with multiple tech startups as a consultant, helping them adopt smarter tools and build data-driven systems. Adrian writes simple, clear, and practical explanations of complex tech topics so readers can easily understand the future of AI.
