Finding The Balance: Intellectual Property In The Digital Age

Digital media (legitimate and otherwise) was one of the few bright spots for high technology companies in the middle of a deep and protracted recession. These demands left computer makers, and builders of components such as microprocessors, software developers and others between a rock and a hard place. Consumers disliked many of the anti-piracy technologies promoted by media companies because they often restricted legal (as well as illegal) uses of the technologies. High technology companies feared government intrusion, legislating what technologies they could and could not market. Many thought that digital media could provide compelling services (the “killer app”) that would drive device sales and promote broadband uptake. The issues surrounding IP protection could either promote or inhibit digital media. As these complementors squared off, countless billions of dollars and much of the future of media and technology were at stake.