One reason that idea screening is a critical stage in the new-product development process is that:

A. Product-development costs rise greatly in later stages and the company only wants those products that can succeed

B. Competitors can quickly steal ideas so the company wants only those ideas that can be protected with patents

C. International competition and markets demand that all ideas be culturally sensitive

D. The Federal government carefully monitors each company's idea screening process to make sure no national security matters are at stake

Answer: Option A