[davismwfl]

Well. First IANAL. But from my understanding you are better off moving forward without researching patents in depth. Obviously if you depend on a specific algorithm used in a specific way you should likely validate you are free from incumbencies. But outside of that you are safer not looking up patents because you can claim you had no knowledge and invented it on your own. While maybe not a saving factor in the end it can save you significant legal consequences.

Of course when in doubt an attorney has his/her usages. Also others here may have better or more experience.