Freedom to Operate (FTO) Search
A Freedom to Operate (FTO) Search is an indispensable investigation aimed at determining whether a specific product, process, or technology can be safely developed, manufactured, and commercialized without infringing upon existing patents or intellectual property rights. This search involves an exhaustive review of patents, pending applications, legal documents, and even non-patent literature related to the invention.
The key objective of an FTO search is to identify any existing/potential patent rights that might pose infringement risks, thereby empowering businesses to mitigate these risks before committing resources to development or commercialization.
At Khurana & Khurana, we specialize in conducting detailed FTO searches and providing tailored solutions. Our unique Product-to-Patent Mapping feature includes a thorough investigation of active and live patents that may overlap with the Key Features of your product, process, or technology. This approach ensures you are fully informed and equipped to move forward without legal uncertainties.
WHY CHOOSE KHURANA & KHURANA?
Experienced in handling complex patent portfolios with a focus on maximizing IP potential.
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Drafting Complete/Provisional Specifications to meet client standards for filing in USPTO, EPO, JPO, PCT, India, and other jurisdictions.
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Multi-Level Screening to ensure only strong, enforceable specifications are filed.
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Conducting Disclosure Meetings with inventors/attorneys to fully understand and strengthen the patent application.
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Proofreading to guarantee semantic and syntactic accuracy in each application.
Efficient and Reliable Patent Filing Services
Khurana & Khurana (K&K) delivers fast, efficient patent filing services for Indian and international clients, including corporates, inventors, and law firms. Known for swift filings and thorough reporting, K&K ensures deadlines are closely monitored and managed, providing clients with secure, timely filings worldwide.
TYPES OF PATENT APPLICATIONS
AT THE INDIAN PATENT OFFICE
Ordinary Application
First-time filing without priority claims; may include complete or provisional specifications.
Convention Application
Claims priority from applications filed in Paris Convention countries; must be filed within 12 months.
PCT International Application
Filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, either within 12 months of Indian filing or with a Foreign Filing License.
PCT National Phase Application
Enters the Indian National Phase within 31 months of priority or international filing date.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES FOR INDIAN PATENT FILING
Request for Examination
Must be filed within 48 months of the earliest date (Priority or Filing Date). Examination occurs after publication, typically within 19 months of the earliest date.
Form 3 Filing
Required within six months of any action (filing, publication, or examination) on corresponding applications in other countries.
Working of Invention Statement (Form 27)
Must be filed annually by patentees and licensees within three months after the end of each calendar year, detailing commercial use in India.
PATENT PROSECUTION OVERVIEW
Patent prosecution involves the interaction between an applicant and the patent office to defend the inventor's rights through negotiation, making it a high-impact process. K&K recognizes the value of patents and offers comprehensive support throughout this process, including:
Response Preparation
Analyzing the invention and prior arts to meet patentability criteria.
Examiner Discussions
Engaging in detailed conversations with patent examiners.
Hearing Strategy
Developing effective strategies for hearings before the Controller.
The First Examination Report (FER) is typically issued within 12 months of filing the Request for Examination, contingent upon the application being published in the Indian Patent Journal.
COMPREHENSIVE PATENT PROSECUTION SERVICES
Prior Art Analysis
Technical evaluation of cited prior arts.
Application Status Tracking
Regular updates and monitoring of developments.
Examination Report Review
Detailed analysis for strong response strategies.
Response Drafting
Crafting effective replies to examination reports.
Amendment Strategy
Strategic modifications to enhance patent application.
Opposition Handling
Managing and defending opposed patents.
Revocation Prevention
Protecting the granted patent from cancellation.
Comprehensive Patent Support
Full guidance through all prosecution stages.