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 an explanation for the common strategies of using "fighting brands" and of product line "pruning." The optimal strategy depends on whether entry prompts an incumbent to expand or contract its total output. We also present a general condition that guarantees that a monopolist will sell but a single product. Our model addresses other issues, including intertemporal price discrimination and "damaged goods."
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Volume (Year): 93 (2003) Issue (Month): 3 (June) Pages: 748-774 Download reference. The following formats are available: HTML
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References listed on IDEAS Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.:
Kenneth L. Judd, 1983.
"Credible Spatial Preemption,"
Discussion Papers
577, Northwestern University, Center for Mathematical Studies in Economics and Management Science.
[Downloadable!]
Brander, James A & Eaton, Jonathan, 1984.
"Product Line Rivalry,"
American Economic Review,
American Economic Association, vol. 74(3), pages 323-34, June.
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Justin P. Johnson Author-Email: jpj25@cornell.edu Author-Workplace-Name: Cornell University & David P. Myatt, 2006.
"Multiproduct Cournot Oligopoly,"
RAND Journal of Economics,
The RAND Corporation, vol. 37(3), pages 583-601, Autumn.
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