Piracy, the unauthorized use of IPR, is a critical issue in the entertainment industry. Several file-sharing services—USENET, BitTorrent, and Limewire—enable users to download movies, TV programs, and music virtually for free. A predominant way in which firms have taken action against file-sharing is through Digital Rights Management (DRM), which includes several technologies that curb the usage of digital content. DRM has been the object of severe criticism, targeted for everything from harming legitimate users to preventing viral marketing and presenting a powerful obstacle to free trade. What is worse is that most DRM systems have been cracked quite easily. Considering both the ease of piracy and the relative failure of preventive measures, how should media firms safeguard their IPR and secure their profitability? Should they seek other IPR technologies? Should they aggressively seek and bring offenders to trial? Or are there ways in which firms can make profit while allowing open access?

Piracy, the unauthorized use of IPR, is a critical issue in the entertainment industry. Several file-sharing services—USENET, BitTorrent, and Limewire—enable users to download movies, TV programs, and music virtually for free. A predominant way in which firms have taken action against file-sharing is through Digital Rights Management (DRM), which includes several technologies that curb the usage of digital content. DRM has been the object of severe criticism, targeted for everything from harming legitimate users to preventing viral marketing and presenting a powerful obstacle to free trade. What is worse is that most DRM systems have been cracked quite easily. Considering both the ease of piracy and the relative failure of preventive measures, how should media firms safeguard their IPR and secure their profitability? Should they seek other IPR technologies? Should they aggressively seek and bring offenders to trial? Or are there ways in which firms can make profit while allowing open access?

Microeconomics A Contemporary Intro

10th Edition

ISBN:9781285635101

Author:MCEACHERN

Publisher:MCEACHERN

Chapter9: Monopoly

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1QFR

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