Not all Freedom to Operate searches are created equal. Traditional methods can take weeks and cost thousands, while generic keyword searches often miss critical patents. FTO Checker uses AI to bridge the gap—delivering a fast, cost-effective way to assess potential risks before committing to expensive legal reviews. With global patent database coverage, instant results, and a privacy-first approach, our tool helps innovators move forward with confidence.
Not all Freedom to Operate searches are created equal. Traditional methods can take weeks and cost thousands, while generic keyword searches often miss critical patents. FTO Checker uses AI to bridge the gap—delivering a fast, cost-effective way to assess potential risks before committing to expensive legal reviews. With global patent database coverage, instant results, and a privacy-first approach, our tool helps innovators move forward with confidence.
Check your freedom to operate without a patent attorney
for free in seconds
Instant AI-powered FTO check — See potential patent risks before you invest time and money
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No legal jargon required — We translate your description into "patent language" automatically.
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Covers multiple jurisdictions — We scan patents from all over the world.
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No-nonsense results — See how many claims and patents pose a risk, in how many countries.
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Your idea stays private — We don’t store or share your invention descriptions.
Why freedom to operate matters... and how FTO Checker helps
What is freedom to operate (FTO)?
Freedom to operate (FTO) means that you can legally produce, sell, or use your invention without infringing on existing patents. Many products fail before they even launch because companies don’t check whether their technology is already protected. By running an FTO check early, you can avoid costly legal battles, redesigns, or wasted R&D investment.
Why FTO fails can kill businesses
Ignoring patent risks can be a costly mistake. If your invention infringes on an active patent, the patent holder can block your product from the market, demand royalties, or sue for damages. Even if you didn’t copy anyone’s idea, patent law still applies. Running an FTO check before investing in production or commercialization can save you thousands in legal fees and prevent your business from being blindsided.
Manual FTO searches are costly
Freedom to operate checks are usually conducted by patent attorneys and IP firms, and a full legal analysis can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 per invention. While these detailed reports are useful, they’re not always necessary at the early stages. FTO Checker provides an AI-powered, instant risk assessment for free, so you can identify potential red flags before committing to expensive legal reviews.
Why AI helps with FTO searches
Patent searches are notoriously complex because patents are written in highly technical and legal language. Our AI translates your invention description into multiple "patent language" versions, ensuring that we capture the broadest possible set of related patents. It then scans global databases (EPO, USPTO, WIPO...) to detect potential risks, so you can get a clear, automated assessment in minutes.
How our free FTO check works
Getting started with FTO Checker is easy. Step 1: Describe your invention in plain English. Step 2: Our AI translates it into "patent language" to ensure the best possible match. Step 3: We search international patent databases for existing claims that could be a legal obstacle. Step 4: You receive an email summarizing the number of potential risks, the number of patents affected, and the jurisdictions where they apply.
Update anytime for more details
The free FTO check gives you a high-level risk assessment, showing you whether there are potential patent obstacles. If risks are detected, you can upgrade to a full FTO report, which provides named patents, jurisdiction details, and deeper legal analysis. This allows you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with your invention, modify it, or seek legal counsel for further steps.
Free vs. paid FTO Checker comparison
AI translates your description
Patent database search
Number of risky patents found
Number of risky claims found
Countries of risky patents
Named risky patents and countries
Infringement risk scoring
Review and amendment of "patent language" translation of description
EXPERT
$49.95 per check