Colonel Cars Inc. plans to introduce a new speaker complex in the steering wheels of its automobiles. It believes the change will revolutionize the drivers' music-listening enjoyment. The company is also preparing an advertising campaign around the improved listening experience. Both the new steering-wheel speakers and the ad campaign are carefully kept secrets. But Colonel Cars' vice president for marketing is hired by European Motor Works (EMW) to be the president of its international division. Before Colonel Cars can begin its advertising, EMW comes out with an ad campaign centered on--you guessed it--speakers in the steering wheels of its new model cars (Reed, Pagattaro, Cahoy, Shedd, & Magid, 2015).

Can a company have property in its marketing plans the way you can have property in your car?

Can EMW use Colonel Cars' marketing plans without permission?

What is the rationale for granting business organizations intellectual property rights?

What are the ethics governing employment non-disclosure agreements or covenants not to compete?