WAR OF THE WORDS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWS AND STANDARDIZATION

While strong economic forces drive the computer industry to develop co mmon standards, the concepts of standards and compatibility inherently conflict with intellectual property laws. Such laws create temporary monopolies as incentives, yet exclusive ownership of standards is inco nsistent with the very idea of a common standard. Absent concerted ind ustry action, confusing and often technically illiterate court decisio ns relating to these issues may ultimately encourage litigation, rathe r than standardization efforts.