What Is a Utility Patent? Protecting New Inventions and Improvements to Existing Ideas

A utility patent can only be granted for inventions that are both novel and useful; in addition, improvements to existing inventions must be also be non-obvious and substantial to be eligible for patent protection. Novelty is straightforward and simply prohibits the patenting of existing or non-unique ideas and inventions. However, most patent applications fail on the basis of novelty, rather than utility or functionality, so it can help to do a patent search to make sure that your invention is unique.

The usefulness requirement demands that an invention have an intended purpose and that it actually works to fulfill that specific purpose. To fulfill this requirement, inventors need to be as precise and detailed as possible in filling out the patent application. For improvements, any changes must also be substantial—that means any new additions must create a real and notable benefit—even a seemingly small design change that lowers a machine's energy consumption could qualify as substantial. Usually, the inventor has to make a case for the patent by presenting evidence of its significance so it's important to be thorough and detailed when you apply.

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.