[Kid A]©

invention: n - (1) The creation of something in the mind [syn: innovation, excogitation, conception, design]. (2) A creation (a new device or process) resulting from study or experimentation [syn: innovation]. (3) The act of invention.

conception: n - (1) a - Formation of a viable zygote by the union of the male sperm and female ovum; fertilization. b - The entity formed by the union of male sperm and female ovum; an embryo or zygote. (2) a - The ability to form or understand mental concepts and abstractions. b - Something conceived in the mind; a concept, plan, design, idea, or thought.

Therefore, if a conception can be a child, and conception is a synonym of invention - invention meaning the creation of something - a child being a thing - then perhaps a child is an invention. The proverbial 'twinkle in the eye' being the "creation of something in the mind."

If this is the case - perhaps a parent could get a patent on their child and defeat the threat of cloning (if they so desire).