Problem
Exclusive proprietary systems
Other Names:
Reinforcement of dependency on patented technologies Nature:
Corporations tend to seek ways of locking clients into long-term dependency on proprietary technologies or services as a way of preventing them from going to competitors for alternative or related products. Corporations are then able to impose prices and conditions to their own advantage.
Incidence:
The prime example is the effort by early manufacturers of computers to ensure that clients could not make any use of products or software manufactured by competitors. This stranglehold was largely broken with the proliferation of personal computers. It has re-emerged at the level of operating system software.
Broader Problems:
ExclusivityExclusive servicesInternational patent monopoly Narrower Problems:
Expiry of drug patentProprietary possession of common resources Related Problems:
Theft of trade secrets Aggravates:
Over-pricingExclusive promotion of excellenceCopyright barriers to transfer of knowledgeRestrictive business practices in relation to patents and trademarks Values:
ReinforcementDependenceExclusion Subject(s):
→ SystemsResearch, Standards → Patents, copyright
Societal Problems → Dependence
Societal Problems → Deprivation
Technology → Technology
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
23.10.2019 – 17:56 CEST