What is the “specific utility” requirement in patent law?

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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 “specific utility” requirement in patent law refers to the need for an invention to provide a well-defined and particular benefit to the public. According to MPEP 2107.01 : “A ‘specific utility’ is specific to the subject matter claimed and can ‘provide a well-defined and particular benefit to the public.’ In re Fisher, 421 F.3d 1365, 1371, 76 USPQ2d 1225, 1230 (Fed. Cir. 2005).” This means that the utility of the invention should be clearly identified and not just a general or vague assertion. For example, stating that a compound has “useful biological properties” without specifying what those properties are would not be sufficient to meet the specific utility requirement. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Review Procedure for Utility Requirement MPEP 2107 Required Utility Requirement Principles Must Be Followed MPEP 2107.01 Required 35 U.S.C. 101 Rejection Must Incorporate 112(a) Grounds MPEP 2107 Recommended 4 Purposes of 35 U.S.C. 101 Utility Requirement MPEP 2107.01 35 U.S.C. 101 Utility Must Be Described in Specification MPEP 2107.01 Requirement for Useful Invention Under 35 U.S.C. 101 MPEP 2107.01 Required Requirement for Specific Utility MPEP 2107.01 Permitted Utility Requirement for Therapeutic Inventions MPEP 2107.01 Recommended Practical Utility Requirement for Inventions MPEP 2107.01 Requirement for Specific Utility Assertion MPEP 2107.01 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 rejections? What is the role of &#8220;specific and substantia...