Category: General IP Management

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…

When you build something new—hardware, software, or even a new product line—you rely on others to bring it to life. Maybe it’s a supplier sending you key components. Maybe it’s an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) helping shape your final product. Or maybe it’s a contract manufacturer assembling the whole thing for you. The Hidden IP…

If you’re building something new—especially something technical—you need to know one thing for sure: are you free to build it? That’s what freedom to operate (FTO) is all about. Not whether your idea is cool. Not whether it’s patentable. But whether you can safely sell it without stepping on someone else’s legal toes. And that…

When you’re building something new—something that could change your industry—the last thing you want is to get blindsided by a hidden patent. One line of code, one tiny feature, one overlooked claim could put everything at risk. That’s where FTO comes in. FTO stands for “freedom to operate.” It sounds boring. But it matters a…

If you’re working in pharma—especially on generics or biosimilars—freedom to operate (FTO) is one of those things you can’t afford to get wrong. It’s not just a legal formality. It’s the difference between launching with confidence or getting hit with a surprise lawsuit that can burn years of work and millions of dollars. In this…

You’re building something that could save lives. Maybe it’s a new medical device, a smarter diagnostic tool, or a better way to treat patients. You’ve got the tech working, the team moving fast, and maybe even investors excited. But one thing can stop you cold: freedom to operate. FTO is what tells you if you’re…

You’re building fast. You’ve got code shipping, users growing, maybe even some revenue coming in. But there’s a quiet question in the back of your mind—“Are we clear to build this?” That’s what freedom to operate (FTO) is really about. And if you’re working on software, it gets trickier. Especially when you’re touching APIs, interface…