Freedom to Operate (FTO)
...aka 'Clearance'
The ability to exploit a technical process or product (for research or commerce) without infringing any intellectual property rights.
To determine the FTO associated with a specific process, all pre-existing technologies must be identified, be they methods, materials or combinations thereof.
FTO Analysis
.. A risk management opinion
.. Dynamic and not a definitive answer
.. Routinely used by corporations to analyze the IP landscape for a new product
.. Information to develop strategic deployment plan
.. Advice on how to manage IP constraints