Utility refers to something that is beneficial and serves a purpose for society. It can also refer to a product or process’s ability to perform a function or achieve a result protected by intellectual property laws. Additionally, a public utility is a regulated company or organisation that provides essential services to the public, such as electricity, water, and telephone lines.
Utility refers to the ability to serve a function that benefits society or to perform a function that is claimed as intellectual property. In patent law, utility is one of the three fundamental requirements for patentability, along with nonobviousness and novelty. It refers to the advantage or benefit of a patented product or process compared to previous methods used to achieve similar results. A public utility is a company that provides necessary services to the public, such as electricity, water, and telephone lines. These companies operate as monopolies but are regulated by the government. These examples demonstrate how utility can encompass both the protection of intellectual property and the provision of essential services to the public. In the case of patents, utility is a prerequisite for obtaining a patent, as the product or process must offer a benefit or advantage over existing technology. For public utilities, utility refers to the essential services they provide to the public, which are regulated by the government to ensure fair and equal access.
A utility is a company that provides a public service, such as electricity, gas, water, or telecommunications.
Utilities are regulated by state and federal agencies to ensure that they provide safe, reliable, and affordable services to the public.
Yes, utilities have the right to shut off service for non-payment, but they must follow specific procedures and provide notice to the customer before doing so.
No, utilities must justify any rate increases to regulatory agencies and demonstrate that they are necessary to cover the costs of providing service.
Customers should first try to resolve disputes directly with the utility. If that is not successful, they can file a complaint with the regulatory agency that oversees the utility.
No, utilities are required to provide service to all customers without discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other factors.
Utilities are responsible for any damage they cause to customer property during the course of providing service.
Yes, utilities can be held liable for accidents or injuries caused by their equipment if they were negligent in maintaining or operating it.
Yes, utilities can be held liable for environmental damage caused by their operations, and may be required to pay fines or clean-up costs.
Starting a new utility is a complex process that requires approval from regulatory agencies and significant investment in infrastructure and equipment.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/utility/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Utility. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/utility/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Utility. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/utility/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Utility. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/utility/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts