In 2006, Simon Shiao Tam founded the Asian-American band The Slants. As the group became increasingly successful, Tam opted to pursue federal trademark protection for the band name. Trademark protection is important for both producer and consumer; the producer can feel confident that no one is unfairly capitalizing on the fruits of their labor, and the consumer can be sure that the product that they are purchasing is the one that they intend to purchase; they can be sure that it is not a product produced by an imposter using the same name. If granted the trademark protection, Shiao’s Asian-American band would own exclusive rights to the name The Slants.