Question 1

The scientists at Brainstorm Inc.,a private medical research firm,have come up with a remarkable method for curing cancer.This cancer treatment technology is well protected and cannot be easily duplicated.Based on this information,it would be most accurate to say that this technology:

Accepted Answer

The fact that the technology is well protected and cannot be easily duplicated implies that it has a high degree of appropriability, which means that it can be protected and monopolized for commercial gain by the owners of the technology. This suggests that the technology is valuable and has the potential for significant financial returns. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they are contradicted by the information given in the scenario.

Question 2

For technologies in which standardization and compatibility are important,maintaining the integrity of the core product is absolutely essential.

Accepted Answer

Standardization and compatibility rely on the consistency and reliability of the core product. Any changes to the core product could lead to interoperability issues and a lack of compatibility with other systems or products. Therefore, maintaining the integrity of the core product is crucial.

Question 3

A common set of international copyright laws automatically protects an author's work throughout the world.

Accepted Answer

There is no single, unified international copyright law that automatically protects an author's work throughout the world. Instead, copyright laws vary by country, and an author must separately register or obtain protection in each country where they wish to protect their intellectual property. However, there are international agreements and treaties, such as the Berne Convention, that establish minimum standards for copyright protection among participating countries.

Question 4

Titles and names can be copyrighted.

Accepted Answer

Titles and names cannot be copyrighted because copyright law does not protect short phrases, titles, names, slogans, or minor combinations of words.

Question 5

If multiple firms benefit from a technology's success,the developer of that technology has a much greater incentive to invest in further developing the technology.

Accepted Answer

The developer might have less incentive to invest in further development if the benefits of the technology are widely shared among multiple firms, as the developer may not be able to capture the full value of their investment.

Question 6

A service mark distinguishes the provider of a service rather than a product.

Accepted Answer

A service mark is a type of trademark that identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than a physical product. It can include logos, taglines, or unique designs that represent a particular service provider.

Question 7

After much research,Angela has designed a new automobile tire with a unique polycarbonate exterior that cannot be punctured.In the context of U.S.patent law,which of the following statements would be true for this invention?

Accepted Answer

Angela's new automobile tire meets the three requirements for patentability under U.S. patent law: it is useful (as it solves the problem of punctures), it is novel (because it is unique and not found in the prior art), and it is not obvious to someone skilled in the field of tire manufacturing. Therefore, it is eligible for a utility patent. The fact that it is a tangible product also supports its patentability. Plant patents are only for asexually reproduced plants, copyrights are for creative works, and intangible products can also be patented as long as they meet the requirements of patentability.

Question 8

Tacit knowledge is best defined as the knowledge that:

Accepted Answer

Tacit knowledge refers to knowledge that is difficult to document, codify, or transfer in written form. It is typically acquired through individual experiences, skill sets, and insights, and it tends to be highly subjective and personal. Unlike explicit knowledge, which can be easily articulated and communicated, tacit knowledge is embedded in individual actions, beliefs, values, and attitudes. Therefore, option A is the correct definition of tacit knowledge. Options B, C, and D are not accurate definitions of tacit knowledge.

Question 9

If you live in a country that is a member of the Madrid Union and you register a trademark in your country,that trademark is protected throughout the world.

Accepted Answer

Registering a trademark in a member country of the Madrid Union only provides protection in the countries that are also members of the union. It does not provide worldwide protection.

Question 10

If the knowledge underlying a particular technology is tacit,competitors will typically find it very easy to duplicate.

Accepted Answer

If the knowledge underlying a technology is tacit, it is not easily codified or documented, making it difficult for competitors to duplicate.

Question 11

When multiple firms can produce a technology,losing money on the technology in the short term to promote it as a standard is highly risky.

Accepted Answer

When multiple firms can produce a technology, losing money on the technology in the short term to promote it as a standard is highly risky because there is no guarantee that the competing firms will adopt it as a standard, and the firm may not be able to recover the costs of developing and promoting the technology.

Question 12

Wholly open systems are usually quickly commoditized and provide little appropriability of rents to their developers.

Accepted Answer

Wholly open systems are easily replicated by competitors, leading to commoditization and little ability for developers to capture profits (rents).

Question 13

Discovery of scientific principles that pertain to natural laws can be patented.

Accepted Answer

According to the guidelines of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, discoveries or scientific principles cannot be patented. Only inventions or practical applications of scientific principles can be patented.

Question 14

Trademarks must be registered before a suit can be brought in federal court against an infringement of the mark.

Accepted Answer

This is true as per the Lanham Act, which requires that a trademark must be registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in order to sue for infringement in federal court.

Question 15

In the United States,there are no laws to protect trade secrets.

Accepted Answer

The United States has a federal law called the Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA) that provides protection for trade secrets. Additionally, individual states have their own trade secret laws.

Question 16

Under U.S.patent law,which of the following is one of the mandatory requirements to be met by a new invention in order to be eligible for patent protection?

Accepted Answer

In order to be eligible for patent protection, an invention must be new/novel, meaning it must not have been publicly disclosed or exist in the prior art. The other options (A, C, and D) are not requirements for patent eligibility.

Question 17

Felix has designed a pair of sunglasses that can be folded and put into a case that easily fits into a shirt or pant pocket.Felix wants to know if he can receive a patent on this invention.Which of the following responses would be most accurate according to U.S.patent law?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Felix has designed a pair of sunglasses...

Question 18

Technology trajectories are path dependent.

Accepted Answer

Technology trajectories are influenced by past choices, decisions and investments. They tend to follow a particular path based on historical events, leading to a certain level of technological development. Therefore, technology trajectories can be considered path dependent.

Question 19

External development efforts typically lack the coordination of internal development.

Accepted Answer

External development efforts often involve multiple parties and may not have the same level of communication and alignment as internal development teams within a company. This can result in a lack of coordination and potentially slower progress towards goals.

Question 20

Patent laws do not vary from country to country.

Accepted Answer

Patent laws vary from country to country. Each country has its own patent laws and regulations, which may differ in terms of how long a patent is valid, what types of inventions can be patented, and other factors.

Quiz 9: Protecting Innovation