Independence or dependence on third-party property rights (Freedom-to-Operate, FTO)
- checks the dependence / independence of third-party property rights
- ensures that a product, procedure or process can be manufactured, used or sold free of unauthorized use of proprietary technology
- the subject matter to be examined is reviewed in great detail, since even details concerning the state of the art and which are irrelevant for the grant of a patent may be subject to third-party intellectual property rights
- aims at patents preferably on patents that have not yet expired
- may also include publications, especially literature older than 20 years