Utility patent is a type of patent that safeguards an inventor's invention, machine, article of manufacture or process that is new, useful and non-obvious. There are several synonyms for the terminology "utility patent". Some of the commonly used terms include "patent for invention," "patent for utility," "patent for new and useful inventions," "useful patent," "functional patent," and "industrial patent." These synonyms all refer to the same core concept of a patent. However, the use of different synonyms varies from one country to another. Therefore, it is important to understand the various terminologies associated with utility patents before filing an application for one.