This paper attempts to provide a formal theory of planned obsolescence based on incompatible technologies in the presence of network externalities. The author explores how a monopolist's ability to make the new product incompatible with the old version of a product constrains the optimal dynamic...

This paper analyzes the dynamic provision of converters in the transition process between two incompatible technologies. The author derives the equilibrium behavior in the provision of converters and compares it to the socially optimal outcome. He finds that there can be two types of market...

This paper analyzes the effects of tying on market competition and social welfare in two-sided markets when economic agents can engage in multi-homing by participating in multiple platforms to reap maximal network benefits. The model shows that tying induces more consumers to multi-home and...

This paper develops a simple model to analyze the effects of mergers in complementary system markets when the merged firm is able to engage in bundling. In particular, I analyze the impact of (mixed) bundling on pricing decisions for existing generations of products and derive welfare...