What is the primary characteristic of an easement in gross?

An easement in gross is characterized primarily by the fact that it benefits a specific individual rather than a piece of land. This type of easement is independent of land ownership; it does not enhance the value of a property but serves the personal interest of the easement holder. For instance, a utility company might have an easement in gross to run power lines across a property, and the easement exists solely to benefit the company's operations rather than augmenting the value or usability of the land itself.

In contrast, an easement appurtenant is one that benefits a specific parcel of land, making that characteristic exclusive to easements in gross. The duration and payment aspects can vary and are not exclusive defining features of easements in gross, as they can be created for set periods or be subject to fees, but those attributes do not fundamentally characterize this type of easement.