Publications
Publications
- January 1996
- HBS Case Collection
Outrage in Cyberspace: CompuServe and the GIF Patent
By: Josh Lerner and Benjamin Conway
Abstract
CompuServe, an online services vendor, informs its software developers that they must enter into a licensing agreement to use the popular GIF compression. CompuServe claims that it is forced to do so because Unisys is enforcing its patent rights in this area. Others argue that CompuServe's move is a response to the growing competitive challenge posed by the Internet.
Keywords
Patents; Technological Innovation; Internet; Information Technology; Competitive Strategy; Search Technology; Web Services Industry
Citation
Lerner, Josh, and Benjamin Conway. "Outrage in Cyberspace: CompuServe and the GIF Patent." Harvard Business School Case 296-057, January 1996.
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