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Updated on 20th January, 2023 , 6 min read
The acknowledgement of something that already exists might be regarded as a discovery. Discoveries are frequently made when something is discovered for the first time. In contrast, the invention is the production of something completely new. It is critical to understand the distinctions between the two.
The following table gives definition details for the difference between invention and discovery-
Invention |
Discovery |
Invention is the process of making something completely new and one-of-a-kind using one's own ideas and growth. |
"Discovery" may be defined as the identification of something that already exists as something new. |
An innovation, in other terms, is a new and non-obvious method, gadget, process, improvement, or approach. |
Discoveries frequently happen when we come across something for the first time. |
It may also be created by one person, which other people can add to or enhance, and is critical to alter the way individuals conduct their work. An innovation can be patented by its originator. |
When we talk of discovery, two things come to mind: inquiry and curiosity. These two lead to the discovery of previously unknown objects, which results in the innovation of processes, products, and procedures. There have been several significant discoveries that have resulted in significant advances in knowledge and technology. |
Examples of Invention
A patent is a type of intellectual property that grants its owner the legal right to restrict others from developing, using, or selling an invention for a short period in exchange for the publishing of the invention's enabling information. Innovation is defined in Section 2(J) of the Patents Act of 1970 as "a different product or procedure incorporating an inventive step and capable of industrial application." The term "inventive step" refers to a previously unavailable technical advance. The Act specifically states that discovery is not patentable and hence cannot be protected by a patent. Sections 3(C) and (D) state unequivocally that the mere discovery of something that already exists in nature is not patentable under the Act since it is not novel and so would not be considered an invention. Under the Patents Act, only inventions are patentable, whereas discoveries are not.
Take the telescope and the moon's mountains as an example. A Dutchman, an eyeglass manufacturer, created the telescope. Galileo Galilei was able to see far enough into the sky to find the moon's mountains thanks to the creation of the telescope. Galileo did not create the moon's mountains; rather, he found them using his invention, the telescope.
Similarly, innovations may lead to discoveries, and discoveries can lead to inventions. For example, Benjamin Franklin discovered the electrical effects of lightning, which led to the invention of the lightning rod, which is still in use and makes buildings considerably safer during thunderstorms.
As a result, innovations, and discoveries might occasionally be related.
The following table gives the differences between invention and discovery-
Parameters |
Invention |
Discovery |
Meaning |
The act of creating or developing a previously unknown thing or service is called invention. |
The act of discovering or researching something that has not previously been known is known as discovery. |
Purpose |
They are working on something novel and cutting-edge. |
Discoveries are being made about something that we were previously unaware of. |
Represents |
They are natural or artificial occurrences of items. |
Natural occurrences are frequently the source of discoveries. |
Patent |
The developer of an innovation can patent it. |
It is not possible to patent discoveries. |
Involves |
The process of experimenting is involved in innovation. |
The process of exploring the world around us is referred to as "discovery." |
Existence |
Inventions are typically the result of extensive research and investigation. |
Discoveries are frequently made by chance; however, this is not always the case. |
Subject |
We make inventions on purpose. |
Discoveries might be made on purpose or by chance. |
Found By |
Inventions are man-made or scientific achievements made possible by the drive and inventiveness of humans. |
Discoveries are typically natural phenomena that are there until they are found by someone. |
In terms of the distinction between discovery and innovation, the following points are significant-
Experiments aid in the inventing process. The act comprises making something new. Exploring our environment brings us new discoveries. The act involves the discovery of something that previously existed.
Consider two prominent strategies used by both amateur and professional innovators to preserve their rights. To begin, file a provisional patent application (if their invention is patentable). Second, a nondisclosure agreement might be utilized (regardless of whether it is patentable).
If one does not patent their concept or innovation, someone else will copy it and sell it to them. As a result, one will be competing in the market. If that person obtains a patent for the product, he may lose their right to compete. If this happens, all of their work and money will be for naught. As a result, when one invents anything new, one should submit a patent.
An invention disclosure, also known as a record of the invention (ROI), is a confidential document written by the inventor that details how the technology is generated and how it performs to answer a specific problem. A Record of Invention is a Lab document that the inventor creates and submits to the lab's patent group through the Innovation Portal.
The innovation must be new, which implies it cannot be found elsewhere. Second, the innovation must be non-obvious, which means it must be a significant improvement over the old one; a little modification in approach will not provide the inventor with the right to a patent. The invention should be commercially applicable.
The discovery of a novel form, substance, or method is not a new item, hence it is not patentable under the Act. It previously existed in nature, hence it cannot be termed a fresh creation because it lacked any innovative steps, powers, or the like. The finding of something that already exists freely in nature is a discovery, not an invention, and so cannot be copyrighted until it is used to create an item or substance. The discovery of a bacterium, for example, is not patentable.
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By - Nikita Parmar 2024-09-06 10:59:22 , 6 min readAns. Inventions enhance our lives in a variety of ways. They facilitate our everyday work, entertain us, expand our understanding of the world around us, and even save lives in crucial situations. Inventions will undoubtedly make their life easier, better, or more enjoyable. There have also been several beneficial discoveries. From the time one or their parents were born until today, there have been millions of new technologies and discoveries that have made our lives easier and more effective.
Ans. The act of producing something wholly new using the findings of repeated tests is known as innovation.
Ans. The distinction between innovation and discovery is that the former, such as the telephone, is totally constructed. The latter is discovered despite the fact that it already existed in some form or another, such as new plant species.
Ans. Creation is only a sort of artifact that has been brought to life by certain artists and may be followed or enjoyed by everyone. On the other hand, innovation is the creation or construction of anything new using one’s own thoughts. People who created these items or services are known as innovators because they translated an inventive concept into something practical that may be valuable to others.
Ans. The distinction between innovation and discovery is that the former, such as the telephone, is totally constructed. The latter is discovered despite the fact that it already existed in some form or another, such as new plant species.
Ans. The process of discovering an object is the act of investigating our surroundings and discovering something by chance.