An invention is a unique or novel device, method, composition, idea or process. An invention may be an improvement upon a machine, product, or process for increasing efficiency or lowering cost. It may also be an entirely new concept. If an idea is unique enough either as a stand-alone invention or as a significant improvement over the work of others, it can be patented. A patent, if granted, gives the inventor a proprietary interest in the patent over a specific period of time, which can be licensed for financial gain.

आविष्कार किसी नई जानकारी के पाये जाने या पता करने की क्रिया का नाम है। इस क्रिया में कुछ ऐसी जानकारी प्राप्त होती है जिसको रचनात्मक अन्तर्दृष्टि देकर उपयोगी बना दिया जाता है।