Are ‘Closed Systems’ an Antitrust Problem?
Competition Policy International, Vol. 7, No. 1, Spring 2011
23 Pages Posted: 23 May 2011
Date Written: March 10, 2011
Abstract
Closed computer systems have come under attack as harmful to freedom, innovation, and competition. Open computer systems, in contrast, are said to promote such values. This article assesses the specific claim that closed systems, compared to open systems, are inherently anticompetitive. It concludes that competition policy arguments against closed systems are at best inconclusive and that closed systems should not be put in an antitrust suspect class.
Keywords: antitrust, competition law, systems competition, monopolization, aftermarkets, innovation, open systems, closed systems, vertical integration
JEL Classification: L40, L41
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation