Inventing refers to the use of one's own ingenuity to create something new. Largely used as a reference to a new device, an invention could also refer to a new method, idea, process, or composition.
An invention could also be an improvement upon a product or process for improving efficiency or lowering costs. It may also be an entirely new concept serving the same purpose as an existing one.
When they are sufficiently unique, either as a standalone invention or as a noteworthy improvement upon the work of another, it can be patented as a new invention. The specific rules and requirements for patenting an invention will vary from nation to nation, and the process of obtaining a patent may be expensive or difficult. If granted, a patent gives the inventor proprietary ownership of the patent for a specified period of time, and it can be sold or licensed for financial gain. Most countries have a patent system in order to encourage inventors, granting a limited-term monopoly on inventions determined to be sufficiently novel and useful. In other words, patents protect the intellectual property rights of the inventor.
While invention often includes science and engineering, inventors aren't necessarily scientists or engineers, and most significant inventions don't have just one inventor. Often, many people have a hand in the progression from its basic concepts to a valuable invention.
Ideas for inventions are often developed on paper or the computer, as writings or drawings. They often involve trial and error, experimentation, making models, and testing. Records of the working process are recommended, not only to assist in the actual process of invention but for use during patent negotiations.
During the process of invention, the initial idea is likely to change, often considerably. In the process, the invention might become simpler or more practical, but it may also be expanded or transformed into something completely different. Frequently, the work involved in one invention leads to another.
The term invention is also a legal concept that can differ from one jurisdiction to another. For example, European patent law requires that a patent application pass an initial test to determine whether it is truly an invention. If so, it has to be decided whether it is new and sufficiently inventive. However, in the United States, all patent applications are considered inventions, but that doesn't mean that all inventions can be patented. In India, an invention applies to a new product or process that involves an inventive step and one that is capable of being made or used in an industry, while a new invention is one that has not been anticipated in any prior art or used anywhere else in the world.
Throughout human history, inventions and the technologies derived from them have transformed life on the planet. From the invention of the wheel to the Mars Rover, and artificial intelligence, many of these inventions have been revolutionary. Of course, long before the invention of the wheel, pre-human species invented stone tools during the Lower Paleolithic period, and shoes are believed to have been invented during the Early Mesolithic period.
According to National Geographic, the top ten inventions or innovations were the printing press, the light bulb, the airplane, the personal computer, vaccines, the automobile, the clock, the telephone, refrigeration, and the camera.
Some people invent for money, while others invent for fun, and many of those in the latter group have nevertheless profited from their inventions.
Online resources pertaining to the act of inventing, ways to make money through inventions, information about the patent process, and organizations catering to inventors are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Based in Miami, Florida, All In One Inventions works with industry professionals who can help with design and development, patent protection, brand identity, licensing, and other tasks involved in the new product development process, so that inventors and entrepreneurs can sell or license their new idea or invention. Its services are featured, and an online form is available to request a free consultation. Client ratings and reviews are included.
https://www.allinoneinventions.com/
Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys, The
Created in 1882 as the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents, and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1891, CIPA changed its name in 2006. The British professional body of patent attorneys is charged with acting "as a professional and representative body for Intellectual Property Practitioners in patents, designs, trade marks, and other forms of intellectual property." Patent attorneys may be located through the site, and the regulations and an overview of the patent examination board are included.
https://www.cipa.org.uk/
FSBI is an online virtual tradeshow for the buying, selling, and licensing of emerging products from individual inventors and small start-ups. Inventions are available either for licensing the rights to a company or for purchase by retail buyers and the consumer public. Inventors can submit their invention idea for a confidential review, and a free patent kit is available. FSBI eliminates the product start-up cost risk for companies wanting to license and launch innovative products.
https://forsalebyinventor.com/
International Federation of Inventors Associations
Founded in London under the supervision of the United Nations in 1968, the non-profit, non-governmental organization's charter members were inventor's organizations from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland, and now has members from eighty countries and territories. Members are listed on the site, and membership information is provided. Event schedules, projects, reports, awards, and publications are noted, and contacts are included.
https://www.ifia.com/
Opened in 1986, Invention City helps independent inventors confirm, develop, protect, license, manufacture, and market new product ideas. An online application is available that is said to be an estimating tool that provides a useful indication of how an invention compares to others, and how likely it is to succeed in the market. Alternatively, a confidential submission form is included. Licensing, patents, prototypes, and manufacturing information are included.
https://www.inventioncity.com/
Maintained by the National Inventor Fraud Center, the site provides information to consumers about invention promotion companies and ways in which inventors can market their ideas, with a warning about invention marketing companies, some of which may charge thousands of dollars yet have success rates approaching zero percent. Owned by Neustel Law Offices, the site features information about reputable inventor groups and shows, patent protection, promotion, and licensing.
https://inventorfraud.com/
Founded by members of the inventing community in 2017, IGA seeks to teach individuals how to best commercialize their product ideas and to strengthen and support inventor groups throughout the nation. The organization provides inventors with resources, information, access, and support, and its website offers a place for inventors to learn and share. Guest speakers are provided at monthly meetings, and members can ask questions, share suggestions, and get assistance from others.
https://inventleader.org/
Also known as InventNET, this is a social network for inventors that includes integrated features, such as a patent attorney directory, a directory of inventions for sale, and a discussion forum where inventors can ask or answer questions. Members may create their own inventor groups or become a member of an existing one, or both. Also included is an informational blog. The most active members and popular groups are highlighted on the first page. A login is required to participate.
https://inventnet.com/
Formed in 2012, the NAI is a US non-profit organization created to encourage inventors in academia. To be eligible to be named as a Fellow into the organization, an individual must be named as an inventor on at least one US patent and selected by the NAI Fellows Committee. The benefits of becoming a member institution are stated, and a directory of member institutions is included. Its inventor recognition programs, educational programs, and publications are noted.
https://academyofinventors.org/
National Inventors Hall of Fame
The NIHF is a US-based not-for-profit organization founded in 1973 for the purpose of recognizing individual engineers and inventors who hold a US patent of significant technology. The organization also operates the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum in Alexandria, Virginia, and sponsors educational programs and a collegiate competition. The inductees may be found on the site, which highlights its exhibits, educational programs, and family programs, including registration.
https://www.invent.org/
The UIA is a non-profit organization charged with providing educational resources to and creating opportunities for the independent inventing community, while encouraging ethical practices among industry service leaders. Based in the United States, membership is free, and its board, executive committee, and innovation committee are introduced. Sponsorship opportunities, news, trade shows, events, and inventor resources are featured. Contributions may be made online.
https://uiausa.org/
United States Patent and Trademark Office
The USPTO is a federal agency in the U.S. Department of Commerce serving as the national patent office and trademark registration authority for the United States. Unlike most federal agencies, the USPTO operates solely on fees collected by its users rather than through taxpayer funds. General information about patents and trademarks is offered, including the application process, online filings, and maintenance requirements. International patent policies are also included.
https://www.avivadirectory.com/
Committed to restoring innovation to the United States by lobbying to reestablish a strong patent system, and by helping individual inventors. Arguing that legislation and court decisions in the past twenty years have placed far too much power in the hands of Big Tech, and at the expense of individuals. Its three levels of membership are compared side-by-side, including the benefits and costs of each. Contributions may also be made online. Actions that can be taken by individuals are posted.
https://usinventor.org/
