The recent lawsuits associated with HP preventing third-party ink cartridges from being used in their printers highlight the challenges of monopolizing complementary, or add-on, products. HP’s case, though, might be considered the more contentious version of a common business practice. Movie theaters and concert venues often restrict people’s ability to bring in cheaper snacks to prioritize their own, more expensive, options—and effective monopolies. But this practice is generally accepted (if not loved).
Interplay between base and add-on products: Consumer education may prevent regulation of complementary product pricing
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