________ provide an incentive for invention and innovation.

A) Economies of scale
B) Network effects
C) Natural monopolies
D) Patents

Patents

Legal rights granted to inventors that prevent others from making, using, or selling their invention without permission for a certain period of time.

Innovation

The introduction of new ideas, goods, services, and practices to the market, which significantly improves or enhances value.

Invention

The creation of a new product, process, or idea that did not exist before, which typically involves innovation and creativity.