Combine the two sentences with a connector to indicate additional information or contrast. Check your punctuation carefully.

Use connectors like 'however,' 'although,' and 'therefore' to join sentences, ensuring proper punctuation.

1. Patents are important because they protect the inventions of individuals; however, they are generally good for only 20 years.
2. Once an invention is patented, only the owner can make, sell, or distribute the product; anyone else who wants to profit from this item must get permission from the owner.
3. Novels, plays, newspapers, and other original printed materials are protected by copyright law, although visual images such as drawings, photographs, and cartoons are still illegally copied off the Internet.
4. There continues to be illegal videotaping of movies in public movie theaters; therefore, the U.S. Congress found it necessary to pass the Family Copyright Act of 2005.