INSTRUCTIONS:

Below you will find an excerpt from a fictional interview with an innovator and entrepreneur, it was conducted by a leading newspaper that is based in Toronto. The interview talks about the company's brief history, its products and its place in the local and global market.

You are required to read the interview and answer the questions which follow.

You must answer the questions, in using your own knowledge , on the intellectual property issues.

1. How did you come up with the idea for your product?

I trained at the top engineering school in Toronto, and as far back as my memory can go, I have always been interested in automation, design, and solving current world issues, whatever they may bet at the time.

Currently, we are grappling with a climate crisis. So, it was from there that I came up with the basis of our designs. Also, this company was founded about 20 years ago, from an idea! I had to buy a failing car manufacturer and replace its internal combustion engines with batteries. Batteries that I had designed and created to launch my own electric vehicle venture at the time.

2, Are there aspects of your cars that are special?

Yes, for sure! Our cars stand out with their electric vehicle technology, we offer an impressive electric range, safety features, and eco-friendly design. We prioritize sustainability with renewable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing. Our company's commitment to innovation and electric mobility has made us a prominent player in the global Electronic Vehicle (EV) market.

3. To build your unusual car shapes, have you had to MAKE a specialized manufacturing equipment?

Well, actually, we focus on design and manufacturing. Even though our car shapes are quite special, the equipment used to build them are industry standard. We create or utilize specialized manufacturing equipment to build unusual car shapes. The production of unique or unconventional car designs may require specific tools and machinery tailored to the desired shapes, contours, and materials involved. This specialized equipment can include advanced robotics, 3D printing technologies, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems, and custom forming and molding equipment. Such equipment enables automakers to achieve intricate and complex designs, ensuring precision and efficiency in the manufacturing process.

These technologies and tools play a crucial role in bringing innovative and distinctive car shapes to life in the automotive industry.

4. MAKE your cars perform better than their competitors? Do the cars have unique properties?

Our cars outperform competitors through our strong focus on electric vehicle technology, incorporating advanced safety features, and prioritizing eco-friendly design. Our vehicles deliver impressive electric range and energy efficiency while providing advanced safety technologies. With a diverse lineup, including sedans,SUVs, and buses, we cater to different market segments. These factors contribute toour competitive advantage, making our cars stand out in terms of performance and sustainability. Our company is the only company with SUVs that are angular and futuristic. The shape of our sedan cars can be described as sleek, aerodynamic, and modern.

5. To get these fantastic shapes, did you have to invent a new type of material?

Not really, I would say no. To achieve their fantastic car shapes, we employ innovative design techniques, including aerodynamics and optimized body structures. Rather than inventing new materials, we utilize lightweight materials like aluminum and high-strength steel to ensure performance, safety, and aesthetics.

6.Who else makes the kinds of cars you do?

There are some other car makers focusing on EV design in the market, yes. But our designs are definitely one-of-a-kind in terms of shape. However, our SUVs that are angular and futuristic are very specific, there is none like it in the market or even globally.

7. To what degree do you feel your approach solves a problem in a way that hasn't yet occurred to other car makers ?

Our approach to electric vehicles (EVs) solves several problems in a unique way that hasn't been fully replicated by other car makers. We have successfully integratedlong electric ranges, a robust charging infrastructure, and high-performance capabilities into our vehicles. Our focus on creating an exclusive ecosystem of EVs,charging stations, and software updates has set us apart, offering a comprehensive solution that addresses range and promotes widespread adoption of electric transportation. Our clients just really enjoy driving when they get to do so in an environmentally friendly car.

8. It sounds like your concept is about cars in fun new shapes held up by unique poleconfigurations, instead of the typical A-Frame or dome shapes. Would you say your approach is more about function or about form? Without a doubt, our designs are about the form of the product. We're going for anaesthetic. Our cars will keep our customers energy footprints low, just like any other electronic cars. But the shape of our cars makes for a unique driver experience

9. To what extent does the market identify with your company due to these car shapes?

Our company logo and the "Lightning Bolt" trade name are predominantly displayed on all our products, instruction manuals, leaflets and web content. As you know, we take great pride in creating our instruction manuals. These instruction manuals serve as a guide that explains how to use and maintain our cars properly and safely. Also, itis my dream that someday whenever you see "Lightning Bolt", you will immediately associate it with our brand. I just don't think we are yet at the point where people identify with our company due to our logo just yet. I suspect it's because we don't have just one unique shape vehicle, like the Coke bottle, for example .

Questions

I . From the interview, identify four different types of Intellectual Property (IP)which are relevant to this company.

(2 marks)

II. Explain your answer by describing what aspect or element of the product would each of the IP identified in part (I) relates to? (4 marks)For example, if I were exporting Canadian pickles, I would want to protect my unique pickling process. This could be done through patentor trade secrets .

III. Based on the options that were mentioned in part (I) above, what can the entrepreneur do to ensure that they have exclusive use of the intellectual property in Canada?