Utility

Usefulness; applicability to a beneficial use. A valid patent is characterized by both utility and invention. "While less evidence, where the utility is great, may establish invention, yet great utility may result from changes in devices which embrace no invention." In an action for infringement the defense of lack of utility will not be sustained unless there is the clearest evidence that the invention is utterly frivolous and worthless. The fact that the defendant used the invention is an argument against such defense.

See further Invention; Novelty; Patent, 3; Use, 1, Useful.