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  • Oct 18, 2009 @ 01:27pm

    Re:

    On the money...

  • Oct 18, 2009 @ 01:25pm

    Re: your question

    Invention carries with it the connotation of developing or designing something that may or may not be delivered to the marketplace, or if delivered, may not be successful in the marketplace, but which may still be patented. Look up patents to understand the role they play in providing some measure of protection to those who come up with original designs. Note also that not everyone agrees with the concept that someone may "own an idea." (This is a mis-statement of what a patent is, but there are reasonable people who disagree with the patent system, in any event.)

    Innovation is simply to create or introduce something new.

    This article maybe didn't clarify because in fact, invention IS a form of innovation. What the author is going for here is a distinction that defines invention as "innovating for the purposes of obtaining a patent," and defines innovation as "innovating for the purposes of delivering successful products." As I've written elsewhere, I think this redefinition of terms is merely confusing, though I understand the intent. And as others have commented, innovation and invention are closely interrelated.

    I hope this helps!

    Ron

  • Oct 18, 2009 @ 01:16pm

    Invention vs. Innovation

    I know this is an older thread, but would like to add that it is equally useful to look at the relationship possible between invention and innovation - a virtuous circle that amplifies the value in both patentable invention and product innovation.

    By the way, disagree with the definition. Both patentable invention and new product formulations can be correctly called "innovation." The narrowing of the term to apply only to product innovation strikes me as unnecessary and muddying, not clarifying. Better: patentable invention and product innovation. Always best to trade malformed pith for clarity.