An intangible asset that represents a distinct name or symbol given exclusive rights by the government is known as what?

The correct answer is a trademark, which is an intangible asset that consists of a recognizable name, symbol, logo, or slogan that distinguishes goods or services of one entity from those of others. Trademarks are granted exclusive rights by the government to the owner, providing legal protection against unauthorized use of the mark by others. This ensures that consumers can identify the source of products and services, fostering brand loyalty and trust.

In contrast, a patent protects inventions or processes for a limited time, a trade secret involves confidential business information that provides a competitive edge, and a copyright protects original works of authorship such as literary, musical, and artistic creations. Each of these other options serves a different purpose within intellectual property law, focusing on various forms of innovation and creativity rather than brand identity.