What best differentiates inventorship from ownership?

The assertion that ownership can change but inventorship cannot is accurate and captures a key distinction between these two concepts in patent law. Inventorship pertains to who actually contributed to the conception of the invention, and this is a static fact that is determined at the time of the invention's creation. Once established, the list of inventors remains fixed unless additional inventors are needed due to oversight or other factors during the patent application process. Changes to inventorship generally require formal correction procedures as they can significantly affect the rights associated with the patent.

On the other hand, ownership (or the rights to the patent) can frequently change. Ownership of a patent can transfer through sale, licensing, assignment, or inheritance. Patent rights are property rights and can be freely traded and assigned to others, allowing for a dynamic ownership landscape that can evolve over time, depending on the business and legal actions taken.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone involved in the patent process, as it influences how intellectual property is managed and litigated. Inventorship is tied to contribution and cannot be altered lightly, while ownership is a more fluid concept reflecting the economic and legal rights associated with the patent.