From Mary Bellis,
Your Guide to Inventors.
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Definition: Most patents fall into the utility patent category. Utility patents are subdivided into mechanical, electrical and chemical categories.

In general, a utility patent protects the way an invention is used and works. Utility patents may be granted to anyone who invents a new and useful method, process, machine, device, manufactured item, or chemical compound - or any new and useful improvement to the same.

Utility literally means has purpose or useful function