nonstaple
nonstaple. Patents. An unpatented thing or material that is a component of a patented product or is used in a patented process, but that has little or no other practical use. • Patentees have a limited right to control the market for nonstaples through tying agreements. But if the thing supplied is a staple, the tying agreement is restraint of trade. 35 USCA § 271(d). Cf. STAPLE(3).