What is the difference between an invention and a discovery?
An invention is an original idea or design created to improve upon existing technology or services. In contrast, a discovery is something that has already been found, but that was not previously known or understood. Inventions and discoveries can both be subject to Intellectual Property Law in California. Inventions are generally protected by patents. A patent gives an inventor exclusive rights over their invention for 20 years. During this time, no other person, business, or organization can produce, sell, or otherwise use the invention without the permission of the patent holder. Patents can also be extended in certain circumstances, such as for medical inventions. Discoveries, however, cannot be granted patent protection as they are already known or understood. Instead, a discovery is usually protected by copyright law. This law prevents someone from copying or using a discovery without authorization from the discoverer. In California, copyright law allows the discoverer to benefit financially from their discovery. In summary, the main difference between an invention and a discovery is that an invention is an original idea or design, while a discovery is something that has already been found. Inventions can be patented, while discoveries are generally protected by copyright law. Both inventions and discoveries can be subject to Intellectual Property Law in California.
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