Understanding the Requirements for Patent Protection

The video tutorial explains the process of filing a patent application with the US Patent and Trademark Office, focusing on the requirements for utility and design patents. Utility patents must be novel, non-obvious, and useful, while design patents need only be novel and non-obvious. The tutorial elaborates on the novelty aspect, emphasizing that the invention must not be publicly disclosed before filing. It also covers non-obviousness, stating that the invention should not be common knowledge. Lastly, the usefulness requirement is discussed, highlighting that utility patents must have a practical application.

Why can't common knowledge or principles be patented?

Describe the usefulness requirement for a utility patent.