Business Glossary

limited right to use another's land for a special purpose. Such use must not be inconsistent with any other uses already being made of the land. An easement is a privilege connected with the land and is therefore not a possessory interest or fee.

right of one party to use land owned by another party. For example, an electric utility can obtain an easement through court action to place its power lines across someone's property, even if the owner is unwilling to give permission.

the right, privilege, or interest that one party has in the land of another.

Example: The right of public utility companies to lay their lines across others' property is a utility easement.