Legal Definitions - statement of utility

A statement of utility is a required section within a patent application where the inventor clearly explains the practical purpose and usefulness of their invention. It describes how the invention functions to solve a problem, provide a benefit, or serve a specific need, thereby demonstrating its practical applicability and value to society.

Examples:

• Example 1: A New Medical Diagnostic Device
  Imagine an inventor develops a novel handheld device that can quickly and non-invasively detect early markers for a specific type of cancer. The statement of utility in their patent application would detail how this device provides a significant benefit by enabling earlier diagnosis, which can lead to more effective treatment and improved patient outcomes, compared to existing, more invasive, or time-consuming methods.

  Explanation: This example illustrates the statement of utility by showing how the inventor articulates the practical advantages—early diagnosis, improved treatment, better patient outcomes—that the invention offers in the medical field, thereby demonstrating its clear usefulness.

• Example 2: An Eco-Friendly Packaging Material
  Consider a company that invents a new type of biodegradable plastic derived from plant starches, designed to replace traditional petroleum-based plastics in food packaging. The statement of utility would explain how this material helps reduce environmental pollution by decomposing naturally, decreases reliance on fossil fuels, and maintains food freshness effectively, offering a sustainable alternative for manufacturers and consumers.

  Explanation: Here, the statement of utility focuses on the environmental and practical benefits of the new material: pollution reduction, sustainability, and effective food preservation, all of which highlight its beneficial application in packaging.

• Example 3: An Advanced Software for Traffic Management
  An engineer creates a sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) software system that analyzes real-time traffic data to optimize traffic light timings across an entire city grid. The statement of utility would describe how this software improves urban mobility by reducing traffic congestion, decreasing commute times for drivers, lowering vehicle emissions, and enhancing overall road safety within the city.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates the statement of utility by outlining the various practical benefits of the software—reduced congestion, shorter commutes, lower emissions, and improved safety—in the context of urban planning and transportation.