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Freedom to Operate (FTO) search, also called clearance or infringement search, is ideally conducted before launching a new product, process, or technology into the market.
The purpose of an FTO search is to assess the risk of infringing on existing intellectual property rights, such as patents in a given jurisdiction or technology area. A freedom to operate opinion, on the other hand is given by a qualified IP attorney. If the FTO search and opinion indicated that there are no blocking patents, the inventor or organization may file patent protection to “ensure a greater degree of freedom to operate”.
In the event of a valid blocking patent, an effective freedom to operate search can aid your analysis in determining the best course of action:
Identify potential roadblocks and make necessary design modifications.
Evaluate infringement risks. Take necessary precautions: obtain license or opt for redesign
Assess the patent landscape in the new market or geographical location before expanding operations.
Ensure you are not acquiring technology that is already protected by someone else's IP rights.
Considering any of these actions? Speak with our team to customize a freedom to operate search for you.
Parola Analytics’ patent attorney-led Freedom to Operate Search report includes these key elements:
Existing patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other IP. At Parola Analytics, we specialize in identifying patents and pending applications that are of potential concern
Geographic scope of the identified IP to determine in which jurisdiction are the patents enforceable.
Product-to-technology or claims-to-product mapping to better understand what aspects of a product, service or process are potentially infringing on existing patents.
Parola provided us the key reference
The first search Parola Analytics, Inc. performed for us provided the key reference supporting our invalidity position on a patent we were evaluating.
The work product is top notch!
Vincent Violago and his excellent team at Parola Analytics provide high quality, detailed, prior art search results with minimal oversight and handholding. These guys are highly educated and experienced in their field and work together with great efficiency. The work product is top-notch, and they are always available for follow up, including detailed discussions of the report and additional pinpoint searches based on the results.
Demonstrated deeper understanding of the search
I engaged Parola Analytics to conduct a prior art search on a difficult US patent that had already stymied another search firm that delivered two unusable references. Parola found four much better references in two weeks that demonstrated a deeper understanding of the search and an effective selection of the best references.
Responsive and easy to work with
Parola Analytics is our trusted partner for prior art search contests on PATROLL, Unified Patent’s crowdsourcing platform. With their expertise in prior art searching, Vincent and his team at Parola Analytics are valuable partners in reviewing prior art submissions to our contests. Parola Analytics provides broad knowledge across various subject-matters and offers competitive pricing. They are easy to work with and are responsive to our needs.
Parola delivered outstanding results!
Vincent and his team at Parola are excellent at locating prior art. We have worked with Parola on two matters, and both times, Parola delivered outstanding results. Parola’s highly-relevant search results and reports demonstrated a thorough understanding of the patent claims.
High Quality. Efficient. Reliable.
The team at Parola Analytics did an excellent job in providing us with the highest-quality prior art research service. The team’s search report highlighted the best prior art references with an easy-to-understand format. In short, the team proved itself.
Get in touch to find out which plan best suits your requirements.
For single claim searches
TAT: 2-4 weeks
For multi-claim searches
with a Patent Expert
For more complex searches
with a Patent Expert
ALL PLANS INCLUDE
Effective freedom to operate or clearance search starts with a good understanding of the subject matter. Our team of patent experts can help.
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