FTO Report
A Freedom to Operate (FTO) analysis asks a different question than a patentability search. Instead of “is my idea novel?”, an FTO analysis asks: “can I build and sell this product without infringing someone else’s patent?”
FTO analysis is typically done before launching a product, entering a new market, or investing heavily in a technology. It identifies active patents whose claims may read on your intended product or process.
FTO vs. Patentability
| Patentability Report | FTO Report | |
|---|---|---|
| Question | Is my invention novel? | Will my product infringe? |
| Searches for | Prior art that anticipates or obviates | Active claims that read on your product |
| Relevant patents | All published patents (including expired) | Active, in-force patents only |
| Outcome | Patentability verdict | Infringement risk assessment |
Both analyses matter for a well-rounded IP strategy. A novel invention can still infringe a third-party patent, and a non-infringing product may not be patentable.
Current Availability
The FTO Report is under development. When available, it will appear alongside the Patentability Report in the Report mode of the GoVeda search interface.
What the Report Will Contain
Based on the planned specification, an FTO report will include:
Risk Assessment An overall freedom-to-operate risk level with narrative explanation of the key findings.
Relevant Active Patents A list of active patents whose claims potentially overlap with your product. Each patent entry will show:
- Claim language that may read on your product
- Jurisdiction and expiry date
- Infringement risk score
- Analysis of which product features are implicated
Claim Mapping A feature-by-feature comparison between the patent’s independent claims and your product’s implementation. This shows which claim elements are potentially met and which are not.
Recommendations Suggested approaches for reducing risk, such as design-arounds or licensing considerations.
When to Use FTO Analysis
Common situations where an FTO review is useful:
- Before a product launch in a new market
- When entering a technology space with many active filers (e.g., pharmaceuticals, semiconductors)
- During due diligence for an acquisition
- When evaluating a licensing offer
An AI-assisted FTO analysis is a screening tool. It surfaces patents worth closer examination. A qualified patent attorney should review the findings before acting on them.
Multilingual Input
Like the patentability report, you will be able to describe your product in any language. The report will be generated in English.
Notification
Sign up for the GoVeda newsletter or check the What’s New to be notified when FTO reports become available.