What Is a Freedom to Operate (FTO) Search and Why Every Product Launch in 2026 Needs One?
A Freedom to Operate (FTO) search is not a theoretical exercise — it’s the practical legal check that determines whether your product can be sold in a target market without infringing active patents. This article walks through the FTO workflow, why it matters for Indian exporters and startups, and how early action can save redesign costs, customs delays and litigation exposure.