Why FTO search?
Before launching a product, entering a new market, or scaling up production, one key question matters: “Can I safely sell this without infringing someone else’s patent rights?”. Even if you own a patent, other active patents in your target countries can still block your product. An FTO search uncovers these hidden risks early, so you can redesign, obtain licences, or adjust your strategy before committing a major budget to manufacturing, marketing, and distribution.
What is Freedom to Operate (FTO)?
A Freedom to Operate (FTO) search, also known as a clearance search, examines active patents and pending patent applications in the countries where you plan to manufacture or sell your product. It answers a practical question: does your product or process infringe any existing patent rights?
In simple terms, FTO search compares the key features of your product with granted patent claims and their legal status in each target country. It highlights where infringement risks exist so you can deal with them before they become a problem.
Benefits of an FTO search are:
- Confirm whether your product or process is likely to infringe any active patents in the countries where you plan to make, use, or sell
- Identify potentially infringing patents that overlap your product early, so you can redesign, license, or acquire rights before investing heavily.
- Reduce the risk of costly infringement lawsuits and last‑minute product withdrawals after launch.
- Run a validity/invalidity search on relevant patents in advance to understand how much weight they carry before you act.
- Build confidence with investors, partners, and distributors by demonstrating a clear understanding of IP risks around your product.
- Avoid spending on manufacturing, marketing, and distribution for products that cannot be freely sold in key markets.