linvent

Linvent is a term used in design thinking and innovation discourse to refer to a hypothetical platform or framework for managing the lifecycle of inventions. It is not tied to a single product or company and is often employed as a generic example in discussions of idea management, collaboration, and intellectual property workflows.

In its conceptual form, Linvent encompasses stages from ideation to prototyping and potential commercialization. A typical Linvent model includes an idea submission interface, a vetting and scoring system, collaboration spaces for cross-disciplinary teams, project tracking and milestone management, and a record of concept evolution. Some formulations also incorporate IP tracking, documentation of prior art, and integration with external tooling such as prototyping environments or patent databases.

Usage and significance: Educators and practitioners use Linvent as a neutral reference point to illustrate structured innovation processes, stage-gate or milestone-based development, and governance mechanisms that balance openness with protection of ideas. The term helps compare different approaches to idea screening, resource allocation, and team collaboration without tying the discussion to a particular commercial product.

See also: idea management, open innovation, product lifecycle management, innovation pipeline.