FTO / Infringement search

When working in a commercial environment, it is important to consider whether third-party property rights are being infringed (known as FTO or Freedom-to-Operate). In this context, a prior telephone or personal consultation is essential. This is because it is important to limit the strategy to a reasonable and justifiable scope. In theory, it is possible that even the smallest component or procedural feature could violate some property right – which, in addition to a patent, could also be a design, for example.

We will discuss the key aspects of a search strategy and ways of narrowing down the search with you in a preliminary telephone call.

We can also help you with the opposite issue, namely whether your property rights are being infringed, if required – with an infringement assessment or an infringement search.

Please do not hesitate to contact us – for an initial consultation by phone free of charge – and, based on our experience, in person or by video conference.