Definition
A utility patent protects the functional aspects of an invention, such as how it works or how it is made, and is the most common patent type granted by the USPTO.
Why It Matters Legally
Utility patents cover the broadest range of inventions and provide up to 20 years of protection for functional innovations. They are the workhorse of most patent portfolios and the basis for the majority of infringement and licensing activity.
Example Use Case
A software company obtains a utility patent on a new data compression method, allowing it to license the technology to other firms.
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Related Terms
Design Patent, Plant Patent, Patent, Patent Application, Patent Term