When should I seek an opinion regarding the potential infringement of a patent? Is there a specific juncture in the process of product development or innovation when the risk of infringing upon a patented invention becomes pronounced? Are there particular circumstances or indicators that warrant the need for a thorough legal analysis? For example, if a company is contemplating the launch of a new product that closely resembles an existing patented technology, does this scenario necessitate immediate legal scrutiny? Furthermore, in what ways can the intricacies of patent law complicate the determination of infringement risk? Should the decision to obtain such an opinion be influenced by the complexity of the technology involved or the potential implications of litigation? Ultimately, how can one discern the appropriate timing to engage with legal counsel to ensure compliance with intellectual property regulations and to mitigate the exposure to costly legal disputes in the future?