Our Freedom to Operate (FTO) patent search service helps identify potential patent barriers to commercializing your products or technologies. This due diligence process examines the claims language of third-party, in-force patents to assess your risk of possible infringement. An FTO search aims to identify in-force patents or published patent applications with claims that cover the technology, process, or product you are targeting.
THE PROCESS
The Freedom to Operate service process gives you transparency and insights into any limitations your intellectual property may face. It concludes if a proposed commercial product or process may be made, used, sold, or offered for sale without infringing another party’s intellectual property rights.
Obtaining an FTO report can be very beneficial as a preemptive measure to defend a company in patent litigation against assertions of willful infringement and exposure to potential damages. By minimizing litigation risks, an FTO opinion can also minimize potential investors’ concerns about the marketability of the company’s product, process, or service.
The goals of conducting an FTO search include:
- Support the clearance of your products, technologies, or processes
- Conduct patent infringement risk assessments
- Uncover licensing needs
- Provide direction for your product development program
Our FTO search Service includes:
- In-force patents
- Published pending patent applications
- Expired patents (as potential clearing documents)
- Performance of broad, full-text searches on patent databases in your particular countries of interest
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Freedom to Operate News & Resources
The Impact of a Monopolized Economy on Innovation—And Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
From the ongoing antitrust battle between the U.S. government and Google to the European Union’s crackdown on Big Tech, the conversation around monopolies is heating up. In today’s fast-paced global economy, where artificial intelligence, biotech, and green energy are at the forefront of technological advancement, the role of competition has never been more critical. Innovation drives progress, but when a handful of companies dominate entire industries, it doesn’t just slow things down—it can fundamentally reshape the future of technology, business, and consumer choice.
2025 Patent Trends: Challenges and Innovations Shaping the Future of Technology
As we head into 2025, several key topics and concerns related to patents and innovation are drawing attention due to their impact on industries, technology, and global policy. As industries and policymakers look toward the new year of innovation, several critical issues are shaping the global innovation landscape. These concerns not only highlight challenges but also underscore opportunities to accelerate innovation, improve accessibility, and foster collaboration.
DesignCon 2025: Don’t Miss IP.com’s Exclusive Drop Event
IP.com is excited to participate in DesignCon 2025, the leading conference for chip, board, and systems design engineers, happening January 28–30 in Santa Clara, CA. Known for its focus on high-speed design and signal integrity, DesignCon attracts the brightest minds in electronic design to explore the latest advancements in technology. This year, we’re bringing something special—a can’t-miss drop event that promises to take your DesignCon experience to the next level.