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Freedom to operate (FTO) Search

At Promax, we offer hybrid Freedom To Operate (F.T.O) searches utilizing our unique blend of proprietary tools PAT CLEAR + CLAIMCHART MASTER, in conjunction with the deep analysis performed by our highly experienced engineers and scientists. We conduct comprehensive worldwide or geo-specific F.T.O searches tailored to each client's individual needs. Our cutting edge tools organize results in interactive formats ( claim charts + 3D Graphs) for ease of understanding and enable rapid design iterations around competitors' patents. Whether you have a proof of concept or a design lock, our fulsome and all-inclusive searches offer complete security to launch new products and technologies and helps you avoid unnecessary infringement suits and allegations.

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Our Methodology

Our methodology combines rigorous research, data-driven analysis, and innovative problem-solving to deliver effective solutions.

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PAT CLEAR

Automatic FTO Search Tool

Our “PAT CLEAR” (Automatic FTO Search Tool) has been built for innovators, entrepreneurs and organisations that utilize IP information to grow their existing product offerings and to design new and innovative products to bring to the marketplace. PAT CLEAR empowers you to perform geo-specific fulsome freedom to operate searches in-house. PAT CLEAR quickly finds granted, pending applications and WIPO applications in a client specific jurisdiction. It further ranks identified patents in best order of relevance by analyzing dependent claims and claim enablement thereby helping clients in identifying opportunities and mitigating patent infringement threats.

Dots Electrical, Electronics  & Communications Industry
Thinking Outside the Box
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Why Choose Promax Legal for FTO Search

Tick Icon Proven track record of excellence, having completed over 200 FTO search projects, assisting the R&D teams of leading Fortune 500 companies and cutting-edge start-ups worldwide in making essential adjustments ahead of product launches.

Tick Icon State of art analysis performed by expert search professionals levering proprietary Product/Service field specific trained ML models for best-in-class F.T.O searching

Tick IconMultilingual search capabilities for searching and reporting in 7+ languages.

Tick Icon Get regular notifications, alerts, emails regarding latest amended claims of previously identified relevant pending patent applications and all new results that could pose potential infringement threats

Tick IconMeticulously crafted tailor made check-lists for consistent and exceptional quality of each search matter

Tick Icon Extensive coverage across major patent databases, encompassing over 100+ jurisdictions.

Tick IconRobust processes and systematic approach for super prompt delivery for both bulk and single search requests.

Tick IconCustomized pricing tailored to accommodate the individual requirements of diverse clients.

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Our Interactive & Automated FTO Report

Case Studies


Title: Navigating Clear Paths; A Freedom to Operate (FTO) Search Case Study

Our recent collaboration with a prominent US-based firm underscored the critical importance of conducting a thorough Freedom to Operate (FTO) search before launching innovative products. The client, a trailblazer in their industry, sought our expertise to assess potential risks and ensure a smooth market entry for their ground breaking technology. The objective was to conduct a comprehensive FTO search that identifies and assesses potential legal obstacles, allowing the client to make informed decisions and mitigate risks associated with their upcoming product launch.

We started by engaging ourselves in detailed discussions with the client to understand the intricacies of their technology, business goals, and specific concerns for defining the scope of the FTO search, focusing on key jurisdictions, competitor landscapes, and relevant technological domains. Our team, comprising experienced patent attorneys and technology experts, meticulously gathered data from patent databases, technical literature, and legal resources. Employing advanced search algorithms and legal expertise, we systematically analyzed the collected data to identify patents and potential obstacles relevant to the client's technology. Each identified patent was thoroughly assessed, considering its enforceability, scope, and potential impact on the client's product launch. Our comprehensive FTO search provided the client with a clear understanding of the patent landscape related to their technology. Key findings included potential obstacles, opportunities for design modifications, and strategies for risk mitigation.

Case Study: Invalidating a High-Stakes US Patent in Litigation

In the words of Billy Beane, We have got to use every piece of data and piece of information, and hopefully, that will help us be accurate with our analysis.” This philosophy guided our approach in an invalidation search against a software patent under litigation.

Tasked with invalidating a patent related to animating portions of digital still photos or frames of video files using directional motion vectors, particularly in the context of litigation against PixaMotion, we initially employed conventional strategies like keyword-based searches and classification-based searches. However, these yielded supplementary prior arts but not a direct match.

Expanding our search to non-patent literature, we discovered relevant references from companies like Photo Mirage, Zeotropic, StoryZ, Pixa Motion, MovPic, Cinemask, Disflow, VIMAGE, Loopsie, MotionGraph, and GIF Camera. While these software applications operated similarly to the subject patent, they were launched after its priority date and couldn’t serve as prior art.

Turning our attention to the litigation complaint against PixaMotion, we found a valuable lead. The plaintiff’s example in the complaint, describing animating a still photo of an individual before a waterfall to make it appear flowing, included keywords not present in the subject patent. Querying with these keywords led us to three relevant Japanese patent prior arts teaching animation using the waterfall falling theory.The client expressed satisfaction with the identified prior art references, providing positive feedback that brought us great pleasure.

Our clients praise us for our great results

“ I have been working with Promax from the past 5 years. They are handling our in-house work which includes prosecution, infringement scan, patentability and portfolio analysis. Promax gets to the point of what their clients really want and need.”

Patent Director

Silicon IP to Software, USA

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Hi Aseem, I want to extend to Promax – and in particular to the team  – my sincere appreciation for the work that was done on the E-Watch project under difficult circumstances.   I especially appreciated the team’s willingness to work long days for two weeks straight so that we could meet our deadline.  I know that many people had to make personal sacrifices so that production could be increased and the deadline could be met, and I am very grateful for those sacrifices.   Moreover, I want to complement the team and Promax’s process for producing high-quality charts. Your team was able implement the changes suggested by us in an immediate and effective manner, which cut down substantially on the work we had to do after we received the charts.  By the last week of the project, the quality of the work coming from the team was so high, I found no errors in the charts that were produced and no changes had to be made on our end.  Please pass on my gratitude to the team for their hard work and dedication to the project.   Without their commitment to the project we would not have met this difficult deadline.  We will be sure to use Promax again.  Thank you.

Director of Patents

Silicon Valley Based Semiconductor Company

Aseem Chadha is a Managing Associate at Promax Legal.  I first met him at a conference in 2014.  He made me a deal I couldn’t refuse and guaranteed he would find better art on a search project that I had already found in an earlier searched done by another firm.  Aseem and his team came through.  Aseem is a good listener and gets to the point of what his clients really want and need. Like you, Aseem is a very nice person, and I am sure you will enjoy meeting him.  While Aseem is based in India, he does travel here from time to time.

Managing Director and Associate General Counsel, IP

Silicon IP to Software, USA

Once again, I wish to thank you and your team for the excellent and timely work! Greatly appreciated.

Leading Intellectual Property and Complex Litigation Firm, USA

Silicon IP to Software, USA

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