Patents and Trademarks are two examples of intellectual property. Intellectual Property being things that one may own but are intellectual in nature rather than tangible.

What are Trademarks? Trademarks are those names that one may reserve for business use (examples include TechronŽ gasoline, DoveŽ soap, and CharminŽ). They are easy and inexpensive to file for and one does not necessarily need to secure professional services to secure a trademark. One is required, within a few months of registering, to demonstrate that the trademark is actively used. Also, a trademark may be registered and used by different entities if they are used in different markets. An example may be DoveŽ soap and DoveŽ Ice Cream Bars: Dove is used by each in different market segments. The public is notified that a name is a proprietary trademark by designating with the ^TM or ® symbol.

What are Patents? The intent of issuing a patent by a government is to document how products are made in order that knowledge is made public. In "payment" to private individuals for the disclosure of know-how, the government gives the discloser the exclusive use of a novel and unique idea, product use, product, or process for a defined period of time (usually 19 years). In order to qualify for a patent, the disclosing party must demonstrate that the "claims" of the patent are novel and not obvious. Patent holders are required to inform the public when their products are patented in order to preclude unknown infringement of a patent.

Entrepreneurs should research the government regulations that will affect their business. Areas to explore are complied in this article:
Government Regulations and Your Business

Managing a business requires knowledge and information relating to financial measurements. The following attached article describes different measurements within business as to financial affairs. Although the definitions and explanations are not meant to be inclusive; it is meant to give adequate knowledge of that particular aspect:
Financial Measurements