Patent Landscape vs. FTO Search: When and Why You Need Each Service Choosing the right intellectual property search at the right stage of innovation is critical to reducing risk and making informed business decisions. Patent Landscape studies and Freedom to Operate (FTO) searches are two widely used IP analysis tools, yet they serve very different purposes and are often misunderstood. A Patent Landscape provides a broad, strategic overview of a technology area, helping companies identify trends, key players, filing activity, and potential white spaces for innovation. It is most valuable during early-stage research, product planning, and market evaluation. In contrast, an FTO search is a focused legal analysis conducted to determine whether a specific product or process can be commercialized without infringing existing, active patents in a particular jurisdiction. This topic explains the key differences between a Patent Landscape and an FTO Search, outlines when each service should be used, and highlights why many companies benefit from using both. Understanding when and why you need each service enables stronger R&D planning, safer product launches, and a more effective overall IP strategy. More Info: https://ipbrigade.com/patent-landscape-vs-fto-search/