Definition
A patent opinion is a written legal assessment by a patent attorney addressing questions such as whether an invention is patentable, whether a product infringes, or whether a patent is valid.
Why It Matters Legally
A well-reasoned opinion guides major business decisions and can serve as evidence of good faith, which may help avoid willful infringement findings. It turns legal uncertainty into actionable advice.
Example Use Case
Before launching a product, a company obtains a freedom-to-operate opinion concluding it does not infringe any active patents.
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Related Terms
Freedom to Operate, Patent Search, Patentability, Willful Infringement, Opinion of Counsel