Inventions: what they are and how to tell them apart from mere innovations

http://www.inventions-handbook.com/invention-help.html
Inventions: what they are and how to tell them apart from mere innovations
An invention is a unique or novel device, method, composition or process. It may be an enhancement upon a device or product, or a new process for creating an object or a result. An invention that achieves a completely unique function or result may be a radical breakthrough. Such works are novel and not obvious to others skilled in the same field.
Some inventions can be patented. A patent legally protects the intellectual property rights of the inventor and legally recognizes that a claimed invention is actually an invention. The rules and requirements for patenting an invention vary from country to country, and the process of acquiring a patent is often expensive.
Another meaning of invention is cultural invention, which is an innovative set of useful social behaviours adopted by people and passed on to others. The Institute for Social Inventions collected many such ideas in publications and books. Invention is also an important component of creative and design creativeness. Inventions often extend the boundaries of human knowledge, experience or capability.