Wharton Enterprises, a U.S. firm, manufactures small kitchen appliances. The firm has recently developed an innovative blender design that Wharton executives anticipate being very profitable. Currently, Wharton has production facilities in the United States and China. Wharton executives are trying to determine where the new product should be manufactured. Which of the following best supports a decision to manufacture the new product in the United States instead of China?
◦ The United States is experiencing an economic recession.
◦ Contract enforcement is a simple process in the United States.
◦ Intellectual property rights are strongly protected by U.S. patent laws.
◦ A strategic marketing plan can be quickly developed in the United States.