Better, Faster, Cheaper - Later: What Happens When Technologies Are Suppressed

Abstract

Some inventions never see the light of day. Others enter the spotlight after long delays and the factors that slowed the arrival of that innovation are ignored. Technology suppression is a real occurrence involving well known and widely used products. In this Article, we examine the topic of technology suppression, seeking to reveal the tactics of suppression and the patterns and conditions under which it occurs. Current examples of US technologies are used to highlight the significance of this phenomenon. We consider related factors, including market and innovation forces, and we identify suppressive tactics, using illustrative cases where patent nonuse or abuse has occurred. Once suppression is more fully understood, we assess the legal and policy implications, including potential deterrents to the problem.

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