Difference Between Invention and Discovery Overview
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.
Difference Between Invention and Discovery Definitions
The following table gives definition details for the difference between invention and discovery-
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Invention |
Discovery |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
Difference Between Invention and Discovery Examples
Examples of Invention
- Invention of the Computer by Charles Babbage.
- Invention of the Light Bulb by Thomas Alva Edison.
- Invention of the Telephone by Graham Bell.
Examples of Discovery
- Discovery of America by Columbus.
- Discovery of Gravity by Isaac Newton.
- Discovery of Plant Cells by Robert Hooke.
What is a Patent?
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.
Difference Between Invention and Discovery Co-Relation
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.
Difference Between Invention and Discovery
The following table gives the differences between invention and discovery-
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Parameters |
Invention |
Discovery |
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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. |
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Purpose |
They are working on something novel and cutting-edge. |
Discoveries are being made about something that we were previously unaware of. |
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Represents |
They are natural or artificial occurrences of items. |
Natural occurrences are frequently the source of discoveries. |
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Patent |
The developer of an innovation can patent it. |
It is not possible to patent discoveries. |
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Involves |
The process of experimenting is involved in innovation. |
The process of exploring the world around us is referred to as "discovery." |
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Existence |
Inventions are typically the result of extensive research and investigation. |
Discoveries are frequently made by chance; however, this is not always the case. |
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Subject |
We make inventions on purpose. |
Discoveries might be made on purpose or by chance. |
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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. |
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Key Difference Between Invention and Discovery
In terms of the distinction between discovery and innovation, the following points are significant-
- Discovery is the process of seeking and examining something that previously existed but was never recognized.
- An innovation, on the other hand, is the construction or design of a previously unknown thing or process using one's own thoughts and advances.
- The term "discovery" refers to the discovery of something previously unknown. In contrast, innovation entails creating something unique and sophisticated.
- Natural occurrences lead to discovery. An innovation, on the other hand, is a scientific or human-made artifact, technology, or method.
- While discovery entails investigation, innovation entails experimenting.
- The subject is discovered either on purpose or by accident, whereas the subject is conceived on purpose in the case of innovation.
- The term "discovery" refers to things that have been around for a long time. Innovation, on the other hand, relates to things that never existed.
- The patent only covers inventions, not discoveries.
Things to Remember
- An item of discovery existed prior to the actual discovery.
- The phrase "discovery" alludes to anything that has existed for a long time. In contrast, the invention is about things that never existed.
- Innovation is a novel concept or something that did not previously exist.
- Innovations are the combination of previously unknown elements, and discoveries can be made with the help of inventions.
- The patent protects only innovations, not discoveries.
- Natural occurrences are referred to as discoveries, whereas man-made items, tools, methods, and so on are referred to as inventions.
Also read more about- Who Invented Math and Who Invented Exams.
Sample Questions for Difference Between Invention and Discovery
Sample Question 1: What drives creation and discovery?
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.
Sample Question 2: How can inventions be safeguarded?
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).
Sample Question 3: Why do we need to safeguard the invention?
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.
Sample Question 4: What is the invention record?
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.
Sample Question 5: What are the fundamental concepts of patent law?
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.
Sample Question 6: Why isn't discovery patentable?
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.