What is a clearance or freedom-to-operate search?
A clearance or freedom-to-operate search is a search for patents that claim some aspect of a product, process, or method. The purpose of such a search is to give a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer an indication of whether the product, process, or method is in the public domain, and, therefore, there is a right-to-use the product, process, or method without fear of being sued for infringement. A clearance or freedom-to-operate (or right-to-use) search typically requires much more effort than a patentability search because patent claims must be reviewed for the details of the subject matter.
