Freedom to Operate
Freedom to Operate search is conducted to mitigate the risks of infringement of patents in a particular region/country so that one can take a particular action, like launching, developing or producing a product, without infringing the IP rights of others. Freedom to Operate (FTO) search may also refer as Right to Use search.
Conducting freedom to operate search is a necessary step for the R&D, product development companies, and technology companies before commercialising products, launching of the new product, process or service to avoid IP infringements.