It is possible that if a company were not allowed to offer a mapping service at below cost, the result would be better consumer choice and value in the mapping service market, though with a price floor above zero.
Not taking a stand one way or another, just saying it's not so cut and dry.
Despite a lot of knee-jerk "WELL BAN COMMERCIALS THEN!?!?!!!!!11" responses, this isn't a totally uninteresting economic question. While this particular example seems a little frivolous, is not the ability of a company to use its riches from one market to compete at extreme advantage in other markets a potential market failure?
IIRC, France (and many European nations) have laws forbidding companies to sell products below cost (mainly intended to protect small grocers from large supermarkets).
Sony is clearly profiting off the backs of the rights holder for this video. To those who would say "well the video is infringing Sony's rights": only the use of the song is infringing. If they had simply uploaded an audio clip of the song "Forever", it would have been equally infringing and much less effective at generating interest in the song. It is the non-infringing portion of the video (the wedding dance) that drew 12 million-plus viewers, and the rights holder(s) should be compensated fairly.
It also prevents you from seeking legal redress if the film crew accidentally drops a camera on your head, paralyzing you from the neck down for life, whether or not you realized a film shoot was taking place.
Oh, but it's standard in the entertainment industry.
On the post: Google Maps Charged With Unfair Competition In France For Daring To Be Free
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
Not taking a stand one way or another, just saying it's not so cut and dry.
On the post: Google Maps Charged With Unfair Competition In France For Daring To Be Free
On the post: Google Maps Charged With Unfair Competition In France For Daring To Be Free
On the post: Why Segway Failed To Reshape The World: Focused On Invention, Rather Than Innovation
Re: Why the fuss?
*head explodes*
On the post: Should Wedding Party In Viral YouTube Video Get A Cut Of Music Sale Profits?
On the post: Should Wedding Party In Viral YouTube Video Get A Cut Of Music Sale Profits?
On the post: Forget Clickthrough EULAs; Are There Really Walkby EULAs For NYC Parks?
On the post: Forget Clickthrough EULAs; Are There Really Walkby EULAs For NYC Parks?
Re: Corrections...
Oh, but it's standard in the entertainment industry.
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