What Can't You Not Share?

I was thinking about a Mercedes Benz TV commercial that shows their car smashing into a concrete wall as part of a safety test. Then, someone asks their spokesman why they don't enforce the patent on the Mercedes Benz energy-absorbing car body. The design is evidently copied by other companies because of its success.

The matter-of-fact reply: "Because some things in life are too important not to share."

What do you have that's just too important not to share?

Comments

[Wally Bock]

Sometimes sharing can be a strategic move. Malcolm McLean had several patents related to containerized shipping. He chose not to enforce them and signed them over to an international body. The idea was that the more people that went to containerized shipping, the better it would be for both the world and for SeaLand.

Sometimes that sharing comes after pressure. Jeff Bezos had Amazon create the first one-click ordering. At first he was going to keep it for Amazon, but an outcry led to Amazon not enforcing the patents.

[Steve Roesler]

Wally,

Figured I could count on you to insert examples and a viewpoint that adds another dimensions.

The containerization issue was what Paul Krugman, at the WBC09, pointed to as the single biggest factor leading to globalization of the economy--not high-tech tools.

[Walter]

Too important sounds like absolute. I think it depends on the situation. If what you want to share with others will not harm you in any way, I guess it fine to do it.

Anyway, I don't to share my cellphone. It's got lot of embarasing information. :-)

[Lluc Potrony]

There is the case of video formats: Beta vs VHS. Both of them were created by Sony. Sony kept the production of Beta format technology for itself because it had better image definiton than VHS. Then Sony sold VHS technology to JVC, because VHS was the evident loser technology. JVC turned the situation by allowing any company to produce VHS --for a fee. VHS eventually occupied the whole market.

[Steve Roesler]

Walter,

We're now intent on finding a way to hack that cell phone. . .

[Steve Roesler]

Lluc,

Good reminder...had already forgotten about that one.

[Lisa Gates]

Hey Steve, long time...

What's too important not to share? Poetry. Art. Words. Blog posts.
:)

[Steve Roesler]

Lisa, indeed. Good to see you!