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Freedom to Operate (FTO) Search

Mitigate Patent Risks Before Market Entry

Bringing a new product or technology to market involves significant investment—and significant risk. Even a single overlooked patent can lead to costly infringement claims, delayed launches, or forced redesigns. That’s why a thorough Freedom to Operate (FTO) search is essential for any organization moving into new markets or expanding product lines.

MaxVal’s FTO Search services help you identify patents that could pose obstacles, giving you the clarity to make informed business decisions. Our analysts combine advanced AI-powered search tools with deep industry expertise to review global patents and align claims directly to your product features. The result: risk assessments that are clear, defensible, and actionable.

Whether you are preparing for a launch, expanding into new jurisdictions, or evaluating licensing needs, MaxVal delivers FTO searches that help you minimize risk, protect investment, and move forward with confidence.

Why Perform an FTO Search?

  • Product Launches – Assess potential infringement before entering the market.

  • Geographic Expansion – Understand risks in new jurisdictions.
  • Licensing Decisions – Identify patents that may require licensing.

  • M&A & Investments – Support due diligence with IP risk evaluation.

What We Offer

  • Global Patent Search – Identify active patents and published applications worldwide.

  • Feature-Level Claim Analysis – Align product features to relevant patent claims.

  • Risk Categorization – Clear reporting of low, medium, and high-risk references.
  • Customized Deliverables – Executive summaries, claim charts, or detailed reports.

  • AI + Human Review – Advanced search tools combined with expert analysis.

FAQs

How is FTO different from patentability?
Patentability determines if your idea is new. FTO determines if you can use it without infringing others’ rights.

Do I need an FTO opinion?
Yes. The search provides the evidence base. Legal counsel typically issues a formal opinion on infringement risk.

Take the Next Step

Book a meeting with our team to explore how MaxVal can support your invalidity search needs.

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