Freedom to Operate (FTO) Search Services
Ensure Your Innovation Doesn’t Infringe on Existing Patents
At IIPT Solutions, our Freedom to Operate (FTO) search services help you assess whether your product, process, or technology can be commercially launched without infringing third-party patent rights. Before investing in manufacturing, licensing, or marketing, an FTO analysis gives you the legal clarity and competitive confidence you need.
What is a Freedom to Operate (FTO) Search?
A Freedom to Operate search, also known as a clearance search, is a detailed investigation of granted and enforceable patents to determine if your innovation might infringe any active patents in a specific jurisdiction. Unlike a novelty or prior art search, which looks backward to determine if your invention is patentable, an FTO search looks sideways to assess commercial risks.
Why You Need an FTO Search
✔️ Avoid Costly Infringement Lawsuits
✔️ Gain Confidence Before Product Launch
✔️ Inform R&D and Product Design Decisions
✔️ Support Licensing or Acquisition Strategy
✔️ Attract Investors and Partners with Risk Mitigation
What Our FTO Search Services Include
✅ Jurisdiction-Specific Search
✓ We conduct FTO searches in countries where you plan to manufacture, use, sell, or import your product (e.g., US, Europe, India, China, Japan).
✅ Detailed Claim Analysis
✓ We analyze the scope of live patent claims, not just titles or abstracts, to assess infringement risks.
✅ Legal Status Verification
✓ We confirm if identified patents are in force, expired, abandoned, or lapsed.
✅ Risk Assessment & Legal Opinion
✓ Clear categorization: Low, Medium, or High FTO risk with recommendations for design-around strategies or licensing.
✅ Comprehensive FTO Report
✓ Includes patent family details, claim summaries, visual claim charts (if applicable), and jurisdiction-wise risk analysis.
Industries We Serve
We specialize in FTO searches across a range of technical domains:
- 💊 Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
- 🔧 Mechanical & Industrial Products
- 💻 Software & Artificial Intelligence
- 🔬 Medical Devices
- ⚡ Electronics & Semiconductors
- 🌱 Agri-Tech & Green Technologies
Why Choose IIPT Solutions for FTO Search?
- 🧠 Tech-Savvy IP Experts & Patent Attorneys
- 🌐 Global Patent Database Access (USPTO, EPO, WIPO, India, etc.)
- ⚖️ Legally Validated Opinions with actionable recommendations
- 📝 Claim Charting and Infringement Mapping
- ⏱️ Fast Turnaround with high-quality insights
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to conduct an FTO search?
A: Ideally before commercializing a product or even during the prototype stage. Early insights help avoid redesigns and litigation.
Q: Is an FTO search the same as a patentability search?
A: No. A patentability search checks if your invention is novel. An FTO search checks if you can safely use or sell it without infringing others’ patents.
Q: Can you help with global FTO coverage?
A: Yes, we provide FTO searches tailored to specific countries or regions as per your commercialization strategy.
Get Peace of Mind Before You Launch
Avoid surprises. Launch smart.
Let IIPT Solutions perform a meticulous Freedom to Operate search to ensure your business is on solid legal ground.
📞 Contact us today for a customized quote or free consultation.