A strategic Freedom to Operate (FTO) search should be undertaken early to ensure your product or service doesn’t encounter third party roadblocks in your chosen markets. This comprehensive patent clearance assessment identifies any existing or pending patents that could restrict your ability to manufacture, sell, or use your innovation within specific jurisdiction. By meticulously analysing patent claims that might impact your target markets this process helps evaluate potential infringement risks and provides strategic insights.
We work with you to understand your product, process, technology, target markets, and commercialization plans to define precise search boundaries. Then, our seasoned experts begin by immersing themselves deeply in the intricacies of technology, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its core and non-core features.
From the detailed understanding of scope, precise and contextually relevant keywords are meticulously distilled using AI & Human intelligence (HI) along with this in-depth exploration of IPC/CPC classifications codes. These keywords & classifications codes then serve as the foundation for crafting detailed, multi-layered search strategies.
Leveraging premier paid patent databases—such as Derwent Innovation, PatSnap, Questel Orbit, Patseer, STNext—strategies are executed with precision to uncover all pertinent prior art and patent literature.
FTO searches are conducted over a 25 -year patent term considering Patent term adjustments (PTA) and/or patent term extensions (PTE). Additionally, since a PCT application can enter national or regional phases, a 36-month period from the PCT filing date is considered.
Territorial coverage is ultimately determined by the client’s interests and requirements. However, if a product is intended for launch in the U.S., it is advisable to include PCT applications in the search, as an international PCT filing may later enter the U.S. national phase.
The acquired patent dataset undergoes a thorough and multi-dimensional analysis, employing advanced techniques such as data clustering to identify patterns and technological trends. Additionally, non-English patent documents are seamlessly translated and meticulously examined to ensure no critical insight is overlooked.
We extend our investigation through a series of refined Supplementary searches. These include in-depth exploration of IPC/CPC classifications, citation networks, assignee portfolios, and inventor histories, each offering a unique dimension of insight into the overall analysis.
This further increase the recall of searches and helps in surfacing out patents which might escape because of stringency of keywords and/or classification codes.
The report is provided in Excel or Word format, as per the client's preference. Additionally, the report is embedded with macros, enhancing the efficiency of dataset review. IEBs reports are comprehensive as well as time saving.
A concise presentation of relevant outcomes in the form of Key feature Matrix denoting those identified (√) and those not identified (X), facilitating a more structured and accessible dataset assessment. Additionally, we provide Risk Assessment Sheet which enables our client to identify the potential risk patents and take actions accordingly.
Tailored pricing models and quick turnaround times to meet every budget and project requirement
Pay only when you're fully satisfied— our commitment to deliver reliable, high-quality results you can trust
Experts include 300+ PhDs and SMEs with deep technical and legal expertise across ICT, Engineering, and Life Sciences disciplines
Comprehensive Patent and Non-Patent Literature from 100+ Countries in multiple technology areas covered across 15+ databases
Native language capabilities in 25+ countries, including CN, JP, KR, with regional database coverage for accurate native language search results
Interconvertible, easy-to-digest reports with claim element grid mapping to accelerate your decisions
Hybrid search approach Combining Artificial intelligence + Human Intelligence to deliver accurate, relevant results
Search teams in both USA and India and Process Set for Handling Export Control Compliances
Multi-level firewalls and strict access protocols to ensure complete data confidentiality and compliance
Our services are designed to support enterprises within the below mentioned industries and sectors, helping them achieve their strategic goals.
An FTO search, or freedom to operate search, is an in-depth review of existing and active third-party patents to determine whether your product, technology, or process may infringe on them. It helps you assess if you have the freedom to operate safely in your target markets before commercialization.
A thorough FTO search helps you avoid costly litigation, unexpected delays, and redesign efforts by uncovering potential patent risks early. It also supports smarter decision-making during product development and market entry planning.
An FTO search includes granted patents, pending applications, and their related patent families that may impact your ability to commercialize. We examine patents across all relevant jurisdictions where you intend to manufacture, sell, or distribute your product.
The timeline for an FTO search depends on your product complexity, the number of jurisdictions involved, and the volume of patents to be analysed. On average, most searches take around 4–6 weeks, though urgent timelines may be accommodated.
It’s best to perform an FTO search during the early stages of product development—before manufacturing, fundraising, or market launch. Conducting it early gives you time to address risks through redesign, licensing, or alternative strategies.
An FTO search report includes a detailed analysis of relevant patents, pending applications, and IP rights that may impact your product or technology. It outlines potential infringement risks, summarizes the patent landscape, and highlights key competitors or emerging trends. You also receive clear recommendations and mitigation strategies to help you move forward with confidence.
Skipping a freedom to operate search can expose you to serious risks, including infringement lawsuits, costly redesigns, injunctions, and market delays. You may also face financial losses, reputational damage, and disrupted business operations. An FTO search helps you identify risks early and take proactive steps to avoid them.
Yes, Ingenious e-Brain specializes in global FTO search services, using multilingual expertise and international patent databases to cover multiple jurisdictions. Because innovation and markets are global, our approach ensures you to understand your freedom to operate worldwide and can make informed cross-border commercialization decisions.
Yes, you can conduct an FTO search even after a product or service has been launched. While it’s ideal to perform an FTO search before commercialization, a post-launch review can still uncover hidden risks and help guide corrective actions such as licensing, product modifications, or strategic planning.
At Ingenious e-Brain, we combine expert human analysis with proprietary AI-powered tools to deliver accurate and reliable quick FTO searches. Even within accelerated timelines, we ensure comprehensive coverage and highlight the most critical patents, giving you a fast yet dependable assessment of your freedom to operate.
A patentability search determines if your invention is novel and non-obvious for filing your own patent. An FTO search, on the other hand, assesses whether you may infringe someone else’s patents while commercializing your product.
Yes—startups often benefit the most from an FTO search, as infringement risks can jeopardize funding, partnerships, and product launches. Investors frequently expect startups to demonstrate freedom to operate before scaling.
AI-powered tools speed up data analysis, identify relevant patents more accurately, and highlight potential claim overlaps that may be missed manually. This makes your FTO search more comprehensive, reliable, and cost-effective.
No FTO search can offer absolute certainty, as new patents may be filed or existing claims may be amended. However, a comprehensive freedom to operate search significantly reduces infringement risk and offers clear guidance for safer commercialization.
