William F. Shughart's Books

Patent Trolls

Predatory Litigation and the Smothering of Innovation

By: William J. Watkins,William F. Shughart II

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Patent Trolls

Predatory Litigation and the Smothering of Innovation

By: William J. Watkins,William F. Shughart II

Stiflers of innovation, patent trolls use overbroad patents based on dated technology to threaten litigation and bring infringement suits against inventors. Trolls, also known as nonpracticing entities (NPEs), typically do not produce products or services but are in the business of litigation. They lie in wait for someone to create a process or product that has some relationship to the patent held by the troll, and then they pounce with threats and lawsuits. The cost to the economy is staggering. In Patent Trolls: Predatory Litigation and the Smothering of Innovation, William J. Watkins, Jr., calls attention to this problem and the challenges it poses to maintaining a robust rate of technological progress. After describing recent trends and efforts to “tame the trolls,” Watkins focuses on ground zero in patent litigation—the Eastern District of Texas, where a combination of factors makes this the lawsuit venue of choice for strategically minded patent trolls. He also examines a more fundamental problem: an outmoded patent system that is wholly ill suited for the modern economy. Finally, he examines proposals for reforming the U.S. patent system, which was created to spur innovation but today is having the opposite effect. If legal reformers heed the analyses and proposals presented in this book, the prospects for crafting a legal environment that promotes innovation are favorable.

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Independent Institute

Published Date

ISBN 10

1598131710

ISBN 13

9781598131710

Crossroads for Liberty

Recovering the Anti-Federalist Values of America's First Constitution

By: William J. Watkins, Jr.

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Crossroads for Liberty

Recovering the Anti-Federalist Values of America's First Constitution

By: William J. Watkins, Jr.

What did the American Founders actually intend for the country, and does it even matter today? If America began as an idea, then what kind of idea? In a time of increasing turmoil over American history, politics, and society, Crossroads for Liberty: Recovering the Anti-Federalist Values of America's First Constitution takes a surprising and thought-provoking look at the American Revolution, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution, and asks what we can learn from them. Author William Watkins casts a critical eye on conventional wisdom about the Articles of Confederation, as he outlines the differences between that original U.S. governing document and the Constitution, which replaced it. He finds that the Articles protected individual liberty and community-centered government in ways that the looser language of the U.S. Constitution did not. Watkins draws from contemporary examples of bureaucratic overreach and expansion to support his argument—examples that were startlingly predicted by proponents of small government at the time of the Constitution's adoption. Along the way, he points back to the Articles and the values of the American Revolution as a framework for reimagining American politics to foster liberty and truly representative governance. Crossroads for Liberty arrives at an important time in American political life, and its reexamination of the American Founding presents a significant contribution to the story about America. Readers will come away with a greater understanding of current political and constitutional issues, as well as a new perspective on American history.

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459

Publisher

Independent Institute

Published Date

ISBN 10

1598132814

ISBN 13

9781598132816

Vietnam Rising

Culture and Change in Asia's Tiger Cub

By: William Ratliff

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Vietnam Rising

Culture and Change in Asia's Tiger Cub

By: William Ratliff

From Vietnam's recent acceptance into the World Trade Organization to its post-Vietnam War reform and socialist ideals, this overview concisely examines the cultural, political, and economic changes currently at work in Vietnam within a historical context and then discusses the effects such changes have had on businessmen and entrepreneurs. Useful for those evaluating potential relationships with Vietnamese businesses or investments in the country's economy, this study explores matters of credit, private enterprise, monetary policy, and the role of globalization.

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163

Publisher

Independent Institute

Published Date

ISBN 10

1598131745

ISBN 13

9781598131741

The Economics of Industrial Organization

Fifth Edition

By: William G. Shepherd,Joanna M. Shepherd

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The Economics of Industrial Organization

Fifth Edition

By: William G. Shepherd,Joanna M. Shepherd

The study of industrial organization extends to the core of some of the most important questions of economics: Who controls markets and profits from them? Does competition or monopoly result in a more beneficial economy? How can the economic playing field become fairer or more biased in either direction? Throughout the fields history, various clashing schools of thought have attempted to sort through these complex issues, examining both abstract theory and real-life cases. The Fifth Edition of this widely used, highly regarded text includes coverage of dramatic changes in the field. Shepherd and Shepherd provide broad, balanced coverage of topics without showing preference to any single point of view, encouraging readers to think independently. This emphasis on independent judgment is evident throughout the book, with discussion of structure placed before performance to assist the reader in thinking about causation. Topics are organized for maximum flexibility, with distinct chapters covering case studies, antitrust and regulation policy, and capital markets.

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Page Count

441

Publisher

Waveland Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

1478610204

ISBN 13

9781478610205

Volatile States

Institutions, Policy, and the Performance of American State Economies

By: William Mark Crain

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Volatile States

Institutions, Policy, and the Performance of American State Economies

By: William Mark Crain

Why do American state economies grow at such vastly different rates and manifest such wide differences in living standards? Volatile States identifies the sources of rising living standards by examining the recent economic and fiscal history of the American states. With new insights about the factors that contribute to state economic success, the book departs from traditional analyses of economic performance in its emphasis on the role of volatility. Volatile States identifies institutions and policies that are key determinants of economic success and illustrates the considerable promise of a mean-variance criterion for assessing state economic performance. The mean-variance perspective amends applications of growth models that rely on the mobility of productive factors keyed to income levels alone. Simply measuring the level of growth in state economies reveals an incomplete and perhaps distorted picture of performance. Taking the volatility of state economies explicitly into account refines the whole notion of "economic success." This book is essential reading for economists, political scientists, and policy-makers who routinely confront questions about the consequences of alternative institutional arrangements and economic policy choices. W. Mark Crain is Professor of Economics and Research Associate, James M. Buchanan Center for Political Economy, George Mason University.

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181

Publisher

University of Michigan Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0472024078

ISBN 13

9780472024070

Hot Talk, Cold Science

Global Warming's Unfinished Debate

By: S. Fred Singer,David R. Legates,Anthony R. Lupo,William Happer

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Hot Talk, Cold Science

Global Warming's Unfinished Debate

By: S. Fred Singer,David R. Legates,Anthony R. Lupo,William Happer

In Hot Talk, Cold Science, Fred Singer looks at the issue of climate change the way a physicist should. He asks probing questions and offers reasoned possibilities. He notes the obvious weaknesses that others too often ignore.... Fortunately, some like Dr. Singer still prefer the joys and value of scientific inquiry." —Richard S. Lindzen, Alfred P. Sloan Professor Emeritus of Meteorology, M.I.T. The revised and expanded third edition of Hot Talk, Cold Science forms the capstone of the distinguished astrophysicist Dr. S. Fred Singer's lucid, yet hard scientific look at climate change. And the book is no less explosive than its predecessors—and certainly never more timely. Singer explores the inaccuracies in historical climate data and the failures of climate models, as well as the impact of solar variability, clouds, ocean currents, and sea levels on global climate—plus factors that could mitigate any human impact on world climate. Singer's masterful analysis decisively shows that the pessimistic, and often alarming, global-warming scenarios depicted in the media have no scientific basis. In fact, he finds that many aspects of increased levels of CO2, as well as any modest warming, such as a longer growing seasons for food and a reduced need to use fossil fuels for heating, would have a highly positive impact on the human race. As alarmists clamor to impose draconian government restrictions on entire populations in order to combat "climate change," this book reveals some other startling, stubborn contradictory facts, including: CO2 has not caused temperatures or sea levels to rise beyond historical rates. Severe storms have not increased in frequency or intensity since 1970—neither have heat waves nor droughts. Global "climate change" is not harming coral reefs. Any increases in CO2 concentrations across huge time spans haven't preceded rising global temperatures, they've followed them by about 600 to 800 years—just the opposite of alarmist claims. "Carbon" taxes and other "solutions" to the global warming "crisis" would have severe consequences for economically disadvantaged groups and nations. Alarmist climate scientists have hidden their raw temperature data and deleted emails—then undermined the peer-review system to squelch debate. In sum, despite all the hot talk—and outright duplicity—there is no "climate crisis" resulting from human activities and no such threat on the horizon. With the assistance of renowned climate scientists David R. Legates and Anthony R. Lupo, Singer's Hot Talk, Cold Science is an essential, clear-headed book of scope and substance that no one who claims to value science, the environment, and human well-being can afford to ignore.

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196

Publisher

Independent Institute

Published Date

ISBN 10

1598133438

ISBN 13

9781598133431

Taxing Choice

The Predatory Politics of Fiscal Discrimination

By: William Shughart II

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Taxing Choice

The Predatory Politics of Fiscal Discrimination

By: William Shughart II

Taxing behavior deemed "politically incorrect" has long been a convenient way for politicians to fund programs benefiting special interest groups, to the public's disadvantage. Government policy toward various goods - drugs, tobacco and alcohol, for example - has been locked into a regulatory cycle of tax and taboo. Support for legalizing other substances is buttressed by the revenue-generating power of so-called "sin" taxesi And the products subjected to excise taxation have varied from soft drinks, fishing gear and margarine to airline tickets, telephone calls and gasoline. Taxing Choice thoroughly addresses the costs and benefits of these predatory public policies.Shughart notes that the record of such punitive selective taxation has been anything but successful, hindering economic progress and failing to deliver the promised social benefits. In addition, the costs of selective taxes fall disproportionately on lower-income people, while more politically powerful interest groups benefit. At the same time, such policies are a poor way to raise funding for public services, and foster political corruption and self-serving bureaucracies accountable to no one. Indeed, policies discriminating against certain products may represent ominous trends easily extended into virtually every facet of people's lives. One can envision policies proscribing foods, sun bathing, obesity, and even books, films, and political and religious beliefs deemed "dangerous."Part I is devoted to the political economy of selective taxation. Contributors trace the history and politics of selective excise taxes in the United States, discussing the range of products that have been subject to such taxation from the founding period to the present. Part II explains how these taxes emerge in a political marketplace with opposing pressure groups scrambling for wealth transfers in their own favor. Part III looks at taxes on specific products as well as such banning policies as Prohibition and the war on drugs. Constitutional, economic, and civil liberty issues, including civil asset forfeiture and product liability, are discussed in Part IV. With the accelerating national debate over tax reform and the downsizing of government, Taxing Choice is a timely and far-reaching contribution to a debate of great interest to economists, policymakers, historians, sociologists, and taxpayers in general.

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413

Publisher

Routledge

Published Date

ISBN 10

1351291599

ISBN 13

9781351291590

Microeconomics

A Contemporary Introduction

By: William A. McEachern

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Microeconomics

A Contemporary Introduction

By: William A. McEachern

Instead of simply defining terms, Microeconomics: A Contemporary Introduction, 4th ed., introduces economic concepts using real-world examples which students understand from experience. The book facilitates instructor flexibility by providing both traditional examples and contemporary cases making economic theories easily accessible, interesting and understandable.

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580

Publisher

South Western Educational Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

0538855169

ISBN 13

9780538855167

Macroeconomics

A Contemporary Introduction

By: William A. McEachern

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Macroeconomics

A Contemporary Introduction

By: William A. McEachern

Instead of simply defining terms, Macroeconomics: A Contemporary Introduction, 4th ed., introduces economic concepts using real-world examples which students understand from experience. The book facilitates instructor flexibility by providing both traditional examples and contemporary case studies making economic theories easily accessible, interesting and understandable.

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532

Publisher

South Western Educational Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

0538855150

ISBN 13

9780538855150

The Microsoft Case

Antitrust, High Technology, and Consumer Welfare

By: William H. Page,John E. Lopatka

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The Microsoft Case

Antitrust, High Technology, and Consumer Welfare

By: William H. Page,John E. Lopatka

In 1998, the United States Department of Justice and state antitrust agencies charged that Microsoft was monopolizing the market for personal computer operating systems. More than ten years later, the case is still the defining antitrust litigation of our era. William H. Page and John E. Lopatka’s The Microsoft Case contributes to the debate over the future of antitrust policy by examining the implications of the litigation from the perspective of consumer welfare. The authors trace the development of the case from its conceptual origins through the trial and the key decisions on both liability and remedies. They argue that, at critical points, the legal system failed consumers by overrating government’s ability to influence outcomes in a dynamic market. This ambitious book is essential reading for business, law, and economics scholars as well as anyone else interested in the ways that technology, economics, and antitrust law have interacted in the digital age. “This book will become the gold standard for analysis of the monopolization cases against Microsoft. . . . No serious student of law or economic policy should go without reading it.”—Thomas C. Arthur, Emory University

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363

Publisher

University of Chicago Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0226644650

ISBN 13

9780226644653

Reflections of a Political Economist

Selected Articles on Government Policies and Political Processes

By: William A. Niskanen

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Reflections of a Political Economist

Selected Articles on Government Policies and Political Processes

By: William A. Niskanen

This retrospective by acclaimed economist William A. Niskanen examines a wide variety of key public policies and politically controversial issues, including those pertaining to trade, unemployment, election law, and the economics of war and peace. Niskanen applies sharply focused economic perspectives to each topic, illustrating how the use of economic incentives significantly aids the creation of solid, successful polices.

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378

Publisher

Cato Institute

Published Date

ISBN 10

1933995203

ISBN 13

9781933995205

Will Consolidation Improve Sub-national Governments?

By: William F. Fox,Tami Gurley

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Will Consolidation Improve Sub-national Governments?

By: William F. Fox,Tami Gurley

Abstract: "Local government size varies dramatically around the world. In Sudan, Cote d'Ivoire, and the United Kingdom, municipalities average more than 125,000 people. Those in many European countries have less than 10,000 people. Countries often consider consolidation of local governments as a means to lower service delivery costs, improve service quality, enhance accountability, improve equity, or expand participation in government. The authors review a number of theoretical arguments and empirical findings concerning the size of sub-national governments. Countries should not presume that amalgamation will solve problems because benefits and costs are situation specific. Success depends on many factors, including getting incentives right for the various players and managing the transition properly. The effects on costs must be examined in terms of all changes occurring with consolidation, including geographic size. Size economies appear service specific and are most likely to result for infrastructure intensive services such as water and sewerage. Size economies are less likely for services such as education that are provided in numerous small production units near the population. Also, the potential for savings depends on other factors, such as willingness to eliminate redundant workers. Consolidation reduces the potential for local government competition, which appears to enhance service quality but not necessarily overall government size. There is some evidence that citizens are more willing to be involved in larger governments, but trust may fall with government size. Larger governments can improve regional planning by handling problems with a broader geographic perspective and giving the government more influence with national policymakers."--World Bank web site.

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World Bank Publications

Published Date

ISBN 10

6050511020

ISBN 13

9786050511024

Book's by William F. Shughart

Patent Trolls

Patent Trolls

Crossroads for Liberty

Crossroads for Liberty

Vietnam Rising

Vietnam Rising

The Economics of Industrial Organization

The Economics of Industrial Organization

Volatile States

Volatile States

Hot Talk, Cold Science

Hot Talk, Cold Science

Taxing Choice

Taxing Choice

Microeconomics

Microeconomics

Macroeconomics

Macroeconomics

The Microsoft Case

The Microsoft Case

Reflections of a Political Economist

Reflections of a Political Economist

Will Consolidation Improve Sub-national Governments?

Will Consolidation Improve Sub-national Governments?

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