Multiproduct Quality Competition: Fighting Brands and Product Line Pruning

Firms selling multiple quality-differentiated products frequently alter their product lines when a competitor enters the market. We present a model of multiproduct monopoly and duopoly using a general `upgrades` approach that yields a powerful analytical framework. We provide a simple theoretical explanation for the common strategies of using `fighting brands` and of product line `pruning`. We also present a general condition that guarantees that a monopolist will forsake market segmentation opportunities and sell but a single product. A number of previously studied issues can be addressed by our model, including inter-temporal price discrimiation and `damaged goods`.