Explain the importance of protecting intellectual property.

Explanation should include

• copyright
• registered service marks
• registered trademarks
• brand name protection
• the role of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 

Process/Skill Questions:

• What steps are taken in registering a trademark or copyrighting a product, service, or idea?
• What are the consequences of failure to register a trademark?
• Who can trademark or copyright a product?
• Why does the government have a role in patent and trademark regulation?
• When does a person need permission to use copyrighted material?
• What other tools can a company use to protect its brand?