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
Ready to get started?
Your Freedom to Operate sample report is on its way!
Freedom to Operate News & Resources
Developing an IP Strategy for a Single Technology: A Comprehensive Guide for Corporations
Intellectual property (IP) is a vital asset for any corporation, especially when it involves a groundbreaking technology that could shape the future of the industry. Crafting a strategic IP plan for a single technology requires meticulous planning, cross-functional collaboration, and a deep understanding of both legal and market landscapes. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to developing an IP strategy for a single technology that a corporation aims to patent.
It’s No Longer a Secret: Generative AI Can Help Secure and Protect Intellectual Property Innovation Exploration
In the era of fast-paced technological advancement, the integration of AI in the intellectual property (IP) lifecycle is transformative. Companies now use generative AI tools to streamline innovation, expedite the patenting process, and generate unique ideas while ensuring the confidentiality of valuable IP assets. The rise of secure, responsible AI applications is reshaping how organizations approach patent exploration and IP generation, particularly in environments where safeguarding proprietary information is paramount.
Exciting Update to Our Prior Art Database Platform Coming Soon!
In November, IP.com will unveil an exciting new chapter for the Prior Art Database. As part of our commitment to enhancing prior art and non-patent literature research, the platform will undergo a major transformation and rebranding. The Prior Art Database will officially become InnovationQ, offering a fresh, modern design and additional functionality, inspired by our premium patent search, analytics platform, InnovationQ+.