The Knockoff Economy: How Imitation Sparks Innovation
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The Knockoff Economy: How Imitation Sparks Innovation

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The Knockoff Economy: How Imitation Sparks InnovationFrom the shopping mall to the corner bistro, knockoffs are everywhere in today's marketplace. Conventional wisdom holds that copying kills creativity, and that laws that protect against copies are essential to innovation and economic success. But are copyrights and patents always necessary? In The Knockoff Economy, Kal Raustiala and Christopher Sprigman provocatively argue that creativity can not only survive in the face of copying, but can thrive.

From the shopping mall to the corner bistro, knockoffs are everywhere in today's marketplace. Conventional wisdom holds that copying kills creativity, and that laws that protect against copies are essential to innovation--and economic success. But are copyrights and patents always necessary? In The Knockoff Economy, Kal Raustiala and Christopher Sprigman provocatively argue that creativity can not only survive in the face of copying, but can thrive.

The Knockoff Economy approaches the question of incentives and innovation in a wholly new way--by exploring creative fields where copying is generally legal, such as fashion, food, and even professional football. By uncovering these important but rarely studied industries, Raustiala and Sprigman reveal a nuanced and fascinating relationship between imitation and innovation. In some creative fields, copying is kept in check through informal industry norms enforced by private sanctions. In others, the freedom to copy actually promotes creativity. High fashion gave rise to the very term "knockoff," yet the freedom to imitate great designs only makes the fashion cycle run faster--and forces the fashion industry to be even more creative.

Raustiala and Sprigman carry their analysis from food to font design to football plays to finance, examining how and why each of these vibrant industries remains innovative even when imitation is common. There is an important thread that ties all these instances together--successful creative industries can evolve to the point where they become inoculated against--and even profit from--a world of free and easy copying. And there are important lessons here for copyright-focused industries, like music and film, that have struggled as digital technologies have made copying increasingly widespread and difficult to stop.

Raustiala and Sprigman's arguments have been making headlines in The New Yorker, the New York Times, the Financial Times, the Boston Globe, Le Monde, and at the Freakonomics blog, where they are regular contributors. By looking where few had looked before--at markets that fall outside normal IP law--The Knockoff Economy opens up fascinating creative worlds. And it demonstrates that not only is a great deal of innovation possible without intellectual property, but that intellectual property's absence is sometimes better for innovation.


Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 04/01/2015
ISBN: 9780199361090
Pages: 280
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.80h x 5.70w x 0.80d
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SKU: 48103721652

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This seems to be well-made and I like the configuration. It should hold passport, ID, credit cards, cash and any travel docs with no problem. It is a bit larger than I expected, however, so that will have an impact on what sort of purse, belt bag, or etc. I use to carry it. My biggest issue with this and ANY RFID blocking wallets/purses/etc. is that I wish the manufacturers would add a sewn in tag or imprint on the product itself that SAYS it's RFID blocking. After time goes buy it gets hard to remember which items in your travel stash are or aren't. I've used a Sharpie to mark this one, but it would be nice if the manufacturer did so professionally.
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Passport wallet
Perfect for travel and daily life .Holds everything you need and has extra room for ID, driver's license, etc..zipper closure. Love it.
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Convenient for international travel
The Amazon Basics Travel Passport Wallet Organizer is an essential tool for any traveler seeking organization and security. Designed with practicality in mind, this wallet excels at holding passports securely, ensuring that your most important document is always accessible and protected. This is particularly useful for families or groups traveling together, as it can accommodate multiple passports without becoming cumbersome. One of the standout features of this organizer is its ability to keep any receipts you may accumulate on your journey. This is incredibly handy for customs, where having a record of your purchases can streamline the process and prevent any unnecessary delays. The wallet's multiple pockets are thoughtfully designed, providing organized sections not just for receipts, but also for boarding passes, credit cards, and even a pen—making it a comprehensive travel companion. The quality of the Amazon Basics Travel Passport Wallet Organizer is apparent in its durable material and sturdy construction, promising longevity and resilience against the rigors of travel. Its compact size allows for easy storage in a carry-on bag or backpack, yet it doesn't sacrifice space or functionality. In summary, the Amazon Basics Travel Passport Wallet Organizer is a reliable, well-designed product that addresses the needs of modern travelers. Its capacity to securely hold passports, organize receipts for customs, and provide multiple pockets for various essentials makes it an invaluable asset for anyone looking to travel with ease and efficiency.
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The most complete, compact wallet I've ever seen!!
This is the most complete, compact wallet I have ever seen, there is a space for everything, even coins. I ordered 2, one for me and one for him. Mine does not fit in my purse, it's 10 inches long. I'm debating, should I return mine or keep it. I've searched for one similar, less than 10 inches, and found nothing. He is so excited and happy, he has already filled his up. This is the only wallet one needs AND it's RFID blocking.
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