A utility patent is a type of intellectual property protection granted for new inventions or discoveries. It covers the functional aspects of an invention, meaning it must provide a specific utility or benefit. Utility patents can be awarded for processes, machines, articles of manufacture, or compositions of matter. To obtain a utility patent, the inventor must file an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The application must include a detailed description of the invention, claims defining its scope, and any necessary drawings. If approved, the patent gives the inventor exclusive rights to the invention for up to 20 years.