学会誌

Specialization and Flexibility for Intellectual Property Standardization

 Ours is changing from a society oriented on manufacturing to a society oriented on knowledge, one that values the integration of various information and findings. This study investigated color standards as intellectual property, focusing on market monopoly achieved as a result of standard status attainment, and domination as a process leading to monopoly.
 The concepts of communication and general standardization are addressed. The characteristic differences between color standards and digital devices are then elucidated. Subsequently, a comparison and analysis is done of DIC and Pantone, color guide (color communication tool)-based national and global color standards, respectively. Pantone is exclusively committed to color standards, and advocates the creation of a new color standard. Although their business model is simple and undiversified, their business, founded on the basis of intellectual property, sees a high possibility for growth. In today’s increasingly competitive market environment, it is necessary to reduce the number of business domains and achieve specialization. In dominating the color standard market and gaining monopoly, specialization achieved through centralized business domains and flexibility, free from attachment to existing lines of business, is the key to successful standardization. This study reveals the presence of definite strategic intent in that process.
 Today we see a wealth of products and services. In such an era, knowledge, experience, expertise and information are becoming important business resources as intellectual capital. Whether or not one can recognize the value of, and utilize, the ability to earn profits from software, services and other intellectual property, rather than from tangible goods, has become an important factor in creating competitive advantages.

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