What is a utility patent application?

A utility patent application is filed under 35 U.S.C. 101 for “a new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof”. Utility patent applications are sometimes referred to as “utility” patent applications when being contrasted with plant or design patent applications.

The MPEP states: “The first type of patent application is sometimes referred to as a ‘utility’ patent application when being contrasted with a plant or design patent application.”