Intellectual Property: Friend or Foe?

Answers to Discussion Questions:

Question 1: Have you ever changed your shopping habits or chosen a specific store because of a loyalty program? Why or why not?

Answer 1 (Yes): "Yes, I definitely choose stores sometimes based on their rewards. If I'm comparing similar items, I might go for the one at a place where I earn points towards something I actually want."

Answer 2 (No): "Not really. I find loyalty programs usually too complicated. I'm less likely to shop somewhere if I have to keep track of a card or app for minimal rewards."

Question 2: What do you think makes a loyalty program truly appealing? What kind of rewards or benefits would make you more likely to participate?

Answer 1 (Value): "I like immediate benefits, like small discounts or free samples with a certain amount spent, rather than needing to save points for ages."

Answer 2 (Personalization): "Rewards based on my purchase history would be great. If I frequently buy items from a certain category, offers or coupons related to that would be much more enticing."

Business in Action covers intellectual property rights and their implications in a balanced manner that informs students about both the pros and cons. Here are some ways it may address this topic:

  1. Defining Intellectual Property Rights The book likely provides clear definitions and explanations of different forms of IP protection like patents, copyrights, trademarks, etc. and their purpose in protecting innovators' work.
     
  2. Rationale for IP Rights It explores the rationale behind IP rights – incentivizing innovation by allowing creators/inventors to reap rewards from their efforts, thereby fueling economic growth. This ties to the "pros" you mentioned.
     
  3. Types of IP Violations
    The textbook probably discusses different violations like patent infringement, piracy, counterfeiting etc. to explain what constitutes IP theft or misuse.
     
  4. Costs and Consequences It likely examines the potential downsides of overly broad/lengthy protections that can stifle competition, raise costs for consumers and inhibit subsequent innovation – aligning with the "cons" noted.
     
  5. Case Studies Using real-world examples and legal cases, the book illustrates the nuances of IP rights and the delicate balance required between incentivizing innovation and enabling access/progress.