Freedom to operate searches

You have an idea for a new product, and you are considering developing and marketing it. You do not intend to file a relevant patent application. Nevertheless, you want to be sure that commercial exploitation of your product will will not be barred by third party patent rights; Otherwise, you might be severely impeded, if not totally stopped, in commercializing the product.

The associated patent search is called a clearance search. All features of your product that are possibly patentable will be taken into account. If relevant publications (granted patents or patent applications) are found that describe (one or more features of) your product, you will have to think carefully about how to continue. Some options are:

Finding a design-around solution

Obtaining a license

Improving upon competitor's product and apply for a (dependent) patent

Stopping the project concerned