Terms and conditions

Please read these terms and conditions ("Terms") carefully before using the FTO Checker website and services. By accessing or using our service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

FTO Checker operates in two distinct contexts: directly through ftochecker.com, and through white-label partners (typically IP firms) who embed our service on their own websites. These Terms cover both. Where the two contexts differ, the difference is explained.

1. Scope of service

FTO Checker is an online platform that uses AI to assist users in identifying potentially relevant patents and publications related to a submitted invention description. The output is a structured report sent by email.

This service is intended to provide informational support only. It does not constitute legal advice or a professional freedom-to-operate opinion.

2. User responsibilities

By using this service, you confirm that:

• You are authorized to submit the invention description
• Your submission does not violate any third-party rights
• You will not use the service for unlawful or abusive purposes
• You remain solely responsible for the content of your submission.

3. Confidentiality and data handling

We treat your invention data with confidentiality. We never use your exact description for external queries, and we delete submissions from our active systems after report delivery and after any partner-side access has expired. Details are outlined in our privacy policy.

4. Intellectual property

All materials on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and software, are the intellectual property of FTO Checker or its licensors. You may not reproduce, modify, or distribute any part of the site without explicit permission.

You retain full ownership of your submitted invention description. You are free to use the generated report for your own purposes. In the white-label partner context, the partner firm also has access to the report and may use it as part of the service it provides to you (see Section 6).

5. Payments and refunds

When you purchase a report directly on ftochecker.com, payment is processed securely through third-party providers. Unless otherwise stated, all purchases are final. We do not offer refunds once a report has been generated and delivered.

In the white-label partner context, you do not pay FTO Checker directly — the report is delivered to you as part of the service offered by the partner firm. Any payment or fee arrangement is between you and the partner firm.

6. White-label partner usage

When FTO Checker is embedded on a partner firm's website, the following applies in addition to the general Terms above.

a. Two distinct relationships

Your engagement involves two distinct relationships: one with the partner firm (which collects your submission, delivers the service to you, and may follow up commercially), and one with FTO Checker (which generates the report as a technical service provider to the partner firm). These Terms govern your use of the FTO Checker service. Any separate agreement with the partner firm is between you and the partner firm.

b. Use of the report by the partner firm

The partner firm receives a copy of your report and may use it to prepare follow-up steps, qualify your case, or inform its commercial proposal. The partner firm is bound by its own professional confidentiality obligations, which, for IP firms, typically include attorney-client privilege or equivalent professional secrecy duties.

c. No legal opinion

The report remains an automated informational document. It does not constitute a freedom-to-operate opinion, a patentability assessment, or any other form of legal advice — whether issued by FTO Checker or relayed by the partner firm. Only the partner firm's qualified patent attorneys can provide legal opinions, under a separate engagement with you.

7. Disclaimers

FTO Checker provides informational tools only. While we aim to deliver relevant and high-quality results:

• We do not guarantee completeness or legal relevance of the report
• We are not liable for any decisions made based on the report
• You are encouraged to consult a qualified patent attorney for legal opinions

8. Limitation of liability

To the extent permitted by law, FTO Checker shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the service, including but not limited to loss of business, data, or profits.

9. Changes to the service or Terms

We may modify or discontinue the service, or update these Terms, at any time without prior notice. The latest version will always be available on our website.

10. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Switzerland.

11. Contact

If you have any questions about these Terms, you can contact us at: legal@ftochecker.com