Freedom to Operate Searches
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) searches - also referred to as clearance searches - are an essential first step in domain name selection and registration. These searches are conducted to evaluate whether a proposed domain name can be legally used and/or registered without infringing upon the prior rights of others.
An FTO search involves a thorough review of trademark databases, focusing on names that are identical or confusingly similar. The goal is to identify any potential legal obstacles that could result in UDRP arbitration procedures, infringement claims and costly rebranding efforts down the line.
By conducting an FTO search early on, businesses can reduce legal risk, make informed branding decisions, and ensure that their naming strategy aligns with both commercial and legal realities in the target market.
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