How does the USPTO handle utility rejections for inventions with “throwaway” utilities?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. The USPTO addresses “throwaway” utilities in patent applications as part of its examination process. According to MPEP 2107.01 : “Rejections under 35 U.S.C. 101 based on a lack of credible utility have been sustained by federal courts when, for example, the applicant failed to disclose any utility for the invention or asserted a utility that could only be true if it violated a scientific principle, such as the second law of thermodynamics, or a law of nature, or was wholly inconsistent with contemporary knowledge in the art.” “Throwaway” utilities are those that are not credible or are inconsistent with scientific knowledge. The USPTO may reject applications with such utilities under 35 U.S.C. 101 for lack of credible utility. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse 35 U.S.C. 101 Utility Must Be Described in Specification MPEP 2107.01 4 Purposes of 35 U.S.C. 101 Utility Requirement MPEP 2107.01 35 U.S.C. 101 Rejection Must Incorporate 112(a) Grounds MPEP 2107 Recommended Credible Utility Requirement for Patentability MPEP 2107.01 Requirement for Useful Invention Under 35 U.S.C. 101 MPEP 2107.01 Required Utility Rejection Requires Written Description MPEP 2107.01 Recommended Review Procedure for Utility Requirement MPEP 2107 Required Rare Inoperative Invention Rejections MPEP 2107.01 Utility Must Be Credible for Disorder Treatment Processes MPEP 2107.01 Utility Requirement Principles Must Be Followed MPEP 2107.01 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What are the four purposes of 35 U.S.C. 101? What is the &#8220;incredible utility&#8221; standard in patent applications? What is the relationship between 35 U.S.C. 101 and 35 U.S.C. 112(a) in utility ...