lack-of-utility rejection

Rejection of a patent claim on the ground that the invention is inoperative, frivolous, fraudulent, or against the public interest. • The classic examples are perpetual-motion machines (inoperative), cures for the common cold (frivolous because believed impossible, and also probably fraudulent), and gambling devices (formerly seen as against the public interest). [Cases: Patents 46. C.J.S. […]