What is an Freedom-to-Operate Search?

Understand the risks of potential infringement prior to launching a new product or service into the marketplace. Also known as a Clearance Search, Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) searches are used to determine the risks of potential patent infringement prior to launching a new product or service. An FTO search identifies patents with claims that may cover a technology.

What Do I Need to Provide for a Freedom-to-Operate Search?

• A detailed description of your product or service, including a list of key features requiring clearance.
• The geographic region(s) for which you require a clearance (i.e., the geographic regions in which you plan to launch and market your product or service).
• A list of known competitors, patent holders, and/or patents that may be relevant to your product or service.
• Prior to launching a product or service in a specific region (i.e., the United States, Europe, Canada, etc).
• Prior to finalizing a product design, so that possible workarounds can be engineered.
• Prior to developing or launching a product, or investing in a marketing strategy.

When Should You Conduct a Freedom-to-Operate Search?

• Prior to launching a product or service in a specific region (i.e., the United States, Europe, Canada, etc).
• Prior to finalizing a product design, so that possible workarounds can be engineered.
• Prior to developing or launching a product, or investing in a marketing strategy.

Why Envision IP?

Our FTO searches include a clear presentation of relevant claim language that relates to patents which may be relevant to your product or service. Envision IP helps client identify risks of patent infringement and identifies potential workarounds. We utilize United States and foreign patent databases, as well as a network of legal professionals to provide global FTO coverage.