As the software part of more and more products becomes the most important part of the customer experience and the value proposition, software businesses, with their superior knowledge of software business models, are well placed to take over more and more “classical” industries. Recently, the Financial Times reported that mobile phones with the Google Read more …
News
eBay and Skype – importance of IPRs underlined
You may have heard that eBay’s attempt to sell Skype (at a 50% discount on the purchase price they paid to acquire it) is at risk because of serious IPR problems between eBay, Skype and the founders of Skype. In essence, it appears that when Skype was sold to eBay, the rights to the underlying Read more …
Facebook – trademarks this time
Facebook has taken a very interesting approach to trademarks: legitimate trademark owners were invited to submit their trademarks, so Facebook could block other users from using those trademarks. A time limit was set a couple of days ago. What does that mean? Will Facebook now start deciding who is a genuine trademark holder and who Read more …
The return of the Public Domain – in European politics
It is the most amazing development: the Swedish Pirate Party has obtained more than 7% of the vote, and has actually won a seat the European Parliament in last Sunday’s European Elections. There are of course many fringe parties, but this is a really interesting development. Apparently, they are now Sweden’s third party in terms Read more …
The Return of the Public Domain – part 2
I’ve expanded my thinking on this issue – it’s more interesting than I thought. 1. Introduction It has been said that it not a good idea to start an article with the conclusion you want to reach. Rather, you’re supposed to start with a question, and then gradually work your way towards the answer. I’m Read more …
The return of the Public Domain
Neil Young decided to honor Belgium with another concert, and I decided it was time to see the old grunger live again – it has been a couple of years. Out of the blue though, and into the black, came the price for the ticket: a full 80 Euro, and not even for a top Read more …
Open Source expanding into hardware? What’s the business model?
The more relevant question is probably: what took them so long? Open source has been growing steadily in the software world (FireFox is now seriously challenging the old Microsoft Internet Explorer market leadership), and it was probably only a matter of time before there would be a spill over into other technologies. Examples of this Read more …
Should you do business on Facebook?
A lot of fuss around how Facebook changed its terms of use, and then, within 24 hours, changed them back. What was the change about? Under the old (and current) terms, Facebook asks you to give them an unlimited license to do whatever they want with what you put on Facebook. However, that license expired Read more …