When you’re developing a new product, brand or technology, you need to be confident that you can launch in your chosen markets without infringing someone else’s intellectual property. Our IP clearance and freedom to operate (FTO) service gives you that clarity early, helping you avoid costly disputes, delays or redesigns later on.
With Gateley IP, you gain a partner who understands your technology, your ambitions and the commercial importance of getting things right first time. Our aim is to make the IP landscape less complex, so you can focus on innovation, growth and delivering value.
What do we do?
Our attorneys undertake IP clearance and FTO reviews to assess whether your proposed product, process, technology or brand could infringe existing patents, registered trade marks, registered designs or related unregistered rights. We identify relevant risks, explain their commercial impact in plain language, and set out practical options so you can move forward with confidence.
Our service includes:
- patent FTO reviews for new technologies, formulations, processes or software;
- trade mark and brand clearance checks ahead of launch or expansion;
- design clearance for new product ranges;
- identifying competitor rights that may restrict your route to market;
- advising how best to adapt, license, challenge or work around third-party rights.
Our role is to give you certainty at the right time. We tailor each clearance or FTO project to your goals and stage of development, ensuring you get the level of detail and strategic input you need. Following analysis of your IP clearance search and FTO review, we will:
- map relevant third-party rights and highlight genuine areas of concern;
- provide concise, practical reports that your technical, commercial and leadership teams can act on;
- explain the commercial implications of each risk and what it means for launch, investment or scaling;
- recommend clear next steps, whether that’s modifying your approach, securing licences, challenging a right or proceeding with confidence.
Who do we help?
We support innovative and high-growth businesses and brands across all sectors, working closely with founders, R&D teams, in-house counsel and investors who need clear answers, not complexity.
We combine deep technical and legal expertise with a practical, commercial approach. Our attorneys understand the realities of bringing innovation and brands to market, so our advice focuses on what matters most: clarity, risk reduction and helping you make well-informed decisions at pace.