File-Sharing and Copyright
| Authors: | Felix Oberholzer-Gee and Koleman Strumpf |
|---|---|
| Published: | July 1, 2009 |
| Paper Release Date: | May 2009 |
| Feature: | Working Papers |
The researchers argue that file-sharing technology has not undermined the incentives of artists and entertainment companies to create, market, and distribute new works. The advent of new technology has allowed consumers to copy music, books, video games, and other protected works on an unprecedented scale at minimal cost. Such technology has considerably weakened copyright protection, first of music and software and increasingly of movies, video games, and books. While policy discussion surrounding file-sharing has largely focused on the legality of the new technology and the question of whether declining sales in music are due to file-sharing, the debate has been overly narrow. Copyright protection exists to encourage innovation and the creation of new works—in other words, to promote social welfare. This essay analyzes the landscape and identifies areas for more research.
Published in 2008
Monetizing IP: The Executive's Challenge
| Q&A with: | Josh Lerner |
|---|---|
| Published: | June 9, 2008 |
| Feature: | Executive Education |
Many companies fail to develop a strategy around protecting and monetizing their intellectual property. In this Q&A, Harvard Business School professor Josh Lerner discusses current trends in IP including the rise of patent pools.
Who Owns Intellectual Property?
| Published: | April 4, 2008 |
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| Feature: | What Do YOU Think? |
| Forum: | closed | 40 Comments posted |
Online forum now closed. Is intellectual property becoming community property? While the impact of change on the valuation of IP is of concern to some respondents, others wonder whether the issues are overblown. HBS professor Jim Heskett sums up responses to this month's column.
Published in 2006
Sorting Out the Patent Craze
| Q&A with: | Josh Lerner |
|---|---|
| Published: | February 6, 2006 |
| Feature: | Research & Ideas |
Some companies patent anything that moves to block innovation by competitors. But what does this mean for standard setting organizations? Professor Josh Lerner explains the challenges facing SSOs in this HBS Working Knowledge Q&A.
Published in 2005
IPR: Protecting Your Technology Transfers
| Q&A with: | C. Fritz Foley |
|---|---|
| Published: | October 24, 2005 |
| Feature: | Research & Ideas |
Countries are adopting stronger intellectual property rights to entice international corporate investment. But who really benefits from IPR? Should multinationals feel secure that their secrets will be protected? A Q&A with professor C. Fritz Foley.
Published in 2004
Does Speed Trump Intellectual Property?
| Published: | October 4, 2004 |
|---|---|
| Feature: | What Do YOU Think? |
| Forum: | closed | 17 Comments posted |
Speed can enhance product development and innovation, but speed can also be used effectively by fast imitators to both save design costs and preempt market share.
