Author: Aindrila Mitra

When your competitor gets a patent granted, it can feel like they’ve just blocked off a chunk of your runway. Maybe they filed broad claims. Maybe the patent office let it slide. And now you’re wondering: Can we still build what we want without stepping on toes—or worse, triggering a lawsuit? What Is a File…

You can build the best product in the world—but if it steps on someone else’s patent, your entire company can be at risk. This isn’t about competition or speed. It’s about survival. A single cease-and-desist letter can freeze your roadmap. A lawsuit can drain your funding. And the worst part? You often won’t see it…

When you’re building something new—a product, a feature, a breakthrough idea—you’re moving fast. You’re testing, shipping, improving. But then comes the question nobody wants to slow down for: Are we actually allowed to do this? That’s what FTO—freedom to operate—is all about. It tells you if your invention or product might be stepping on someone…

You’re building something real. It’s physical. It ships. It has parts, packaging, sensors, maybe even an app. You’re not just writing code anymore—you’re building hardware. And you’re selling it direct to customers. Why D2C Hardware Is a Patent Minefield (Even If You’re Just Starting Out) You’re Entering a Crowded Patent Landscape The truth is, hardware…

When you’re building something new—whether it’s a product, platform, or breakthrough idea—the last thing you want is a surprise legal risk. But that’s exactly what can happen if you don’t plan for freedom to operate (FTO) early. And here’s the kicker: most startups either spend too much, too late—or ignore it entirely until investors or…

When you’re building something new—an app, a physical product, even just a button or screen layout—it’s not just the code or the hardware that matters. The way it looks can also be protected. That’s what design patents are for. And if you don’t check first, you might accidentally copy someone else’s protected design. That’s where…

Let’s get straight to it. If you’re building anything that connects, streams, compresses, or talks to the internet—you’re probably using tech that’s tied to industry standards. Think Wi-Fi, 5G, video codecs, Bluetooth, or NFC. And here’s the catch: these standards are often wrapped in something called SEPs—standard-essential patents. What Are SEPs and Why They Matter…

Open-source code is a gift for startups. It saves time. It speeds up development. It helps founders build fast. But hidden inside that gift? Risk. Most engineers drop open-source code into their product without thinking twice. But every time you do that, you’re making a legal decision—one that could quietly blow up your startup later.…

Launching a new product feels like crossing the finish line. But the truth is, it’s just the beginning—especially when it comes to protecting what you’ve built. Freedom to Operate (FTO) isn’t a one-and-done checklist. It’s something you need to keep watching as your product changes, the market shifts, and other patents get filed around you.…

When you’re building something new, one thought always lingers in the background: are we really free to use this without someone coming after us? That’s the core of freedom to operate (FTO). It’s not just about patents or technology—it’s about making sure your startup isn’t blindsided by a lawsuit, a blocked product launch, or a…