Essay

Market Structure and Property Rights in Open Source Industries

Authors: Michele Boldrin (Washington University School of Law) , David K. Levine (Washington University in St. Louis)

Abstract

This Article summarizes briefly the reasons why OS industries should not come as a surprise to economists well trained in traditional competitive theory, and to dissect the economic logic underpinning them. Next it discusses the logical contradictions (or the plain neglect of facts) behind the common misconception that an OS industry is not viable.

Keywords: Open source software, Intellectual property, Digital rights (Intellectual property), Property rights, Software licensing

How to Cite: Boldrin, M. & Levine, D. (2009) “Market Structure and Property Rights in Open Source Industries”, Washington University Journal of Law and Policy. 30(1).