What is the difference between an invention and a discovery?

In Pennsylvania, the law of intellectual property covers that which is created or invented by an individual or organization. This includes discoveries, inventions, works of art, literary works, brands, and more. The differences between an invention and a discovery are mainly related to the way in which they are found. An invention is an idea or process which has been created through research or development, or found independently. Inventions are typically developed and created by people, with the hope of creating something new and useful. A discovery, on the other hand, is something that was found or observed by chance. The discovery of a new fact or phenomenon is generally credited to the person who first observed or noticed it, rather than the person who created it. Both inventions and discoveries are protected by intellectual property laws, but the way in which they are protected can be slightly different. A discovery cannot be patented, as it must have been independently found, whereas an invention can be patented and protected from duplication. Patents protect inventions, prohibiting others from making, using, or selling the invention. Although discoveries must be credited to their discoverer, they are not legally protected and cannot be patented.

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