A patent gives its owner the right to exclude others from the invention claimed in it, but does not give the owner the right to make, use, or sell that invention in the marketplace. The purpose of a freedom to operate analysis is to ensure that the production, use, or sale of a new product does not infringe a valid patent of another. While there is no legal requirement for a company to obtain an FTO opinion before taking a new product to market, doing so can nevertheless provide a number of advantages to companies both large and See more +

A patent gives its owner the right to exclude others from the invention claimed in it, but does not give the owner the right to make, use, or sell that invention in the marketplace. The purpose of a freedom to operate analysis is to ensure that the production, use, or sale of a new product does not infringe a valid patent of another. While there is no legal requirement for a company to obtain an FTO opinion before taking a new product to market, doing so can nevertheless provide a number of advantages to companies both large and small.

Join Principal Michael Hawkins and Technology Specialist, Patent Agent Molly Kelley on May 17 as they discuss the legal and practical considerations that can prompt a company to seek an FTO opinion from patent counsel. They will also address commonly asked questions, such as:

- When to conduct an FTO analysis

- What formats can be used to communicate the results

- How to use the results

- How to improve efficiency during an FTO analysis See less -