What is an FTO Search?

A Freedom to Operate (FTO) search, also known as a clearance search, is a critical step before launching a new product, service, or technology into a specific market. The goal is to determine whether your proposed product infringes on any active, valid patents owned by third parties.

Failing to conduct a thorough FTO search can result in devastating patent infringement lawsuits, product recalls, and massive financial penalties. At WhiteSeaCo, we provide the clarity you need to move forward safely.

How WhiteSeaCo Conducts FTO

We don't just run keyword searches. We meticulously deconstruct your product into its core features and map them against the claims of active patents in your target jurisdictions.

1. Feature Deconstruction

Our technical experts work with your R&D team to break down your product into its essential components, algorithms, and processes to identify all potentially patentable features.

2. Jurisdiction-Specific Searching

Patents are territorial. We focus our search strictly on the countries where you plan to manufacture, sell, or distribute your product, filtering out expired or abandoned patents to save you time and money.

3. Claim Mapping & Analysis

Finding a similar patent isn't enough; infringement is based on the *claims*. Our analysts map your product's features directly against the independent claims of relevant patents to determine the exact risk of infringement.

4. Actionable Reporting

We deliver a comprehensive, easy-to-understand report highlighting high-risk patents. If we find a blocking patent, we can immediately pivot to an Invalidation Search to destroy the threat, or advise your team on how to design around it.

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