Freedom to Operate Opinion Vandana Mamidanna Think IP

Freedom to Operate Opinion Vandana Mamidanna Think IP Strategy Trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies Brisbane Beijing Chicago Goteborg Hyderabad Johannesburg Melbourne Mumbai Washington D. C.

Overview • Right to use • Country-wise analysis • Not a static single point activity – Changes in IP Landscape – Changes in Product Think IP Strategy Trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies Brisbane Beijing Chicago Goteborg Hyderabad Johannesburg Melbourne Mumbai Washington D. C.

Pre- FTO – Identify Current Product Characteristics – Identify Any Proposed/Projected Changes To Be Made To The Product – Is The Product Only For The Local Market Or International – Determine Level Of Interest In Product And Next Key Decision Points Brisbane – Before Further Significant Investment (Time/Cost), Beijing Chicago Initiate Patent FTO Search And Analysis Goteborg Think IP Strategy Trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies Hyderabad Johannesburg Melbourne Mumbai Washington D. C.

Initial Search – Develop expertise/ Use an Expert – Extent of search • Age of the product • Target Market/Markets • Consider Local searches • Refine the search Think IP Strategy Trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies Brisbane Beijing Chicago Goteborg Hyderabad Johannesburg Melbourne Mumbai Washington D. C.

Analysis of Search Results – Identify Patent Series Of Possible Concern – Review Status (Pending, Granted, Abandoned, Next Action Due) – Check Original And Latest Claims Where Identified Patent Applications Are Pending For Relevance. Check Claims Of Granted Patents For Relevance – Discuss Patent Claims Of Concern With Scientists To Determine If Concerns Are Resolvable By Brisbane Beijing Workaround Activities Chicago Think IP Strategy Trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies Goteborg Hyderabad Johannesburg Melbourne Mumbai Washington D. C.

Analysis of Search Results – If Decision Is To Monitor Pending Claims Of Concern, Introduce A Regular Review Process With Appropriate Reminders – Consider Possible Invalidity Grounds For Problem Patents – Review Cited Art, Conduct Invalidity Search And Analysis – Retain Outside Counsel, If Appropriate, And Develop Invalidity Attacks Brisbane Beijing – Manage FTO issues Chicago Think IP Strategy Trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies Goteborg Hyderabad Johannesburg Melbourne Mumbai Washington D. C.

Freedom to Operate – Process Flow Search # Records Analysis 1 • Abstracts • Countries • Remove duplicates High Value Database(s) < Records << Records • Abstracts • Countries of interest • Claims • Countries of interest • Issued? Infringement Assessment Input • • Keywords • Substructure • Generic scope Analysis 2 [Repeat over time] √ OK Advice TRACK LITIGATE STOP LICENSE Think IP Strategy Trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies Assess: • Claims (esp issued) • Countries Invalidity/ Workaround Assess: Brisbane Beijing • Claims Chicago (esp issued) Goteborg • Countries Hyderabad Johannesburg Melbourne Mumbai Washington D. C.

Mitigate FTO Issues • • Utilise in-house and partners’ knowledge of area Conduct formal FTO reviews (stage-gate) Update periodically – new published applications daily Patent your inventions (and/or defensive publication) – Don’t rely on prior user defence to infringement Think IP Strategy Trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies Brisbane Beijing Chicago Goteborg Hyderabad Johannesburg Melbourne Mumbai Washington D. C.

Mitigate FTO Issues • Track relevant pending applications – Intervene as necessary (e. g. 3 rd party observations) – Publish to “throw off the scent” • DON’T ignore relevant valid patents – Injunctions, enhanced damages, “Bolar” limitations, dealbreaker Think IP Strategy Trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies Brisbane Beijing Chicago Goteborg Hyderabad Johannesburg Melbourne Mumbai Washington D. C.

Managing FTO Issues • Consider workarounds – Re-formulation – Off-shoring • Develop bargaining chips – Patent in 3 rd party space – Solidify your own IP position Think IP Strategy Trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies Brisbane Beijing Chicago Goteborg Hyderabad Johannesburg Melbourne Mumbai Washington D. C.

Managing FTO Issues • License – earlier the better • Look for a win-win • Litigate – courts, patent offices (oppose/reexamine), ITC, standing issues • Stop Think IP Strategy Trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies Brisbane Beijing Chicago Goteborg Hyderabad Johannesburg Melbourne Mumbai Washington D. C.

Thank You vandana@thinkipstrategy. com Think IP Strategy Trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies Brisbane Beijing Chicago Goteborg Hyderabad Johannesburg Melbourne Mumbai Washington D. C.