FTO
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Field training officer |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Government & Politics, Law & Legal |
FTO has two meanings. It stands for Field training officer (police) or Freedom to operate (intellectual property).
Meanings of FTO at a glance
| # | FTO stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Field training officer | Government & Politics › Police |
| 2 | Freedom to operate | Law & Legal › Intellectual Property |
1. Field training officer
Government & Politics · Police Abbreviations
Experienced patrol officer who trains and evaluates new officers during their first months on the street after the academy. Recruits usually rotate through several FTOs and must pass each phase.
Example: My FTO made me write every report twice until I got the narrative right.
Most US agencies use versions of the San Jose model, developed in the early 1970s, with daily observation reports grading recruits on standard categories. A separate police training officer (PTO) model emphasizes problem-solving. Probationary officers who fail field training can be dismissed.
2. Freedom to operate
Law & Legal · Intellectual Property Abbreviations
Analysis of whether a product, process or service can be made, used or sold without infringing others' valid intellectual property rights, usually patents, in specific countries. Companies commission FTO opinions before launching products or making major investments.
Example: Before the launch, outside counsel delivered an FTO opinion covering the US and Germany.
An FTO search looks at in-force patents and pending applications in the relevant markets, unlike a patentability search for one's own invention. A favorable opinion can help defend against claims of willful infringement. Results are snapshots, since new patents issue every week.
Related abbreviations
More police abbreviations
- DWI – Driving while intoxicated
- DWLS – Driving while license suspended
- EDP – Emotionally disturbed person
- FTA – Failure to appear
- GBH – Grievous bodily harm
- GOA – Gone on arrival
- GSR – Gunshot residue
- GTA – Grand theft auto
See all 84 police abbreviations →
More intellectual property abbreviations
- EPC – European Patent Convention
- EPO – European Patent Office
- EUIPO – European Union Intellectual Property Office
- FRAND – Fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory
- IDS – Information disclosure statement
- IP – Intellectual property
- IPR – Intellectual property rights
- ITU – Intent-to-use application
See all 50 intellectual property abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not legal advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.