Freedom to operate search
If you intend to commercially exploit a product or a method, or to manufacture or import a product, you should make sure in advance that you are not infringing on anybody’s valid patent or utility model. By avoiding any infringement in advance you will save a lot of money and trouble.
A freedom to operate (FTO) search allows you to reduce the risk of infringement. The search should be carried out before you start manufacturing, selling, marketing or importing the product.
Outcome of the search
You can order a freedom to operate search on Finland, Europe and the USA. In Europe, the search focuses on the EPC countries – the 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation. We conduct freedom to operate searches on other countries by agreement.
The aim of the freedom to operate search is to search for the following patents, utility models and applications which may harm your operations: patents and utility models valid in the target countries, and national applications, PCT applications and European patent applications regarding the target countries. We will provide you with information on publications and statuses found in the search, but we will not take a stand against a possible infringement – the publications found in the search will help you identify the risk of infringement.
How long does the search take?
Our delivery time is usually about 3 weeks. Holiday seasons may in some cases extend the examination time, as we tend to give the assignment to a patent examiner specialised in the required technical field.
In special cases, the delivery time may be shorter. We will ask the patent examiner specialised in the field if a quicker delivery is possible.
Prices
The price of a standard search is EUR 2,670. An invoicing surcharge and value‑added tax will be added, resulting in a total price of EUR 3,359. The price includes an initial meeting, approximately two days of search work by a examiner, a search report including legal status information, and copies of the ten most relevant publications. If the scope or target jurisdictions of the search deviate from the standard, the price may be agreed separately.
How to order
Before ordering, you can contact our consulting engineers to discuss the scope and contents of the search by sending an email to neuvonta.patentti@prh.fi. You can also contact the consulting engineers by calling our customer service on +358 29 509 5858.
Go to the order form: