Freedom-to-operate (FTO) patent search (infringement search)
There are many products and processes, some in common use, some not, which are protected by a patent. When you develop your own ideas into something commercial, how can you be sure that elements of your product or the process that you want to use, aren’t already patent protected by someone else?
To help you avoid making costly mistakes, you need to be fully informed about existing patents.
Why use this search?
Our freedom-to-operate search will list granted patents or patents that are pending which you may risk infringing with the product that you intend to take to market, or the process that you want to use.
This list could help you identify patents to licence, or perhaps change how you develop your product or influence where you manufacture and market.
The search will be done by one of over 200 science-graduate patent examiners whose understanding of claim construction will ensure that you receive a full and accurate report from a technological specialist.
We have access to a wide variety of databases, including full text patents.
Our search will uncover patents that have or could have effect in the UK. However if you want a search that covers a broader or different geographical area, please contact us.
We treat any information you send us with the strictest confidence.
Costs and timescale
The cost of a freedom to operate search varies a great deal being dependent on the scope of the question asked.
As a guide, costs are around £1,500 to £3,000 plus VAT for most technologies.
However the nature of searching certain areas of technology means that the costs are likely to be higher. For example, the cost of an organic chemistry structural search is around £3,000 to £6,000 plus VAT but again the actual figure can vary widely according to the difficulty of the request.
Typically we will issue your report within 10 working days of us agreeing the costs with you. However turnaround is dependent on the length of the search.
You are able to discuss the results of the search with the examiner and have copies of all the relevant documents they have found, should you need them.
Contact us
E-mail us at sas@ipo.gov.uk or phone +44 (0)1633 811010 or fax +44 (0)1633 811020
Please note that you must accept liability for the transmission of any information you send us or ask to receive from us via e-mail.