University of Cologne 

In this thesis, accepted by the Economic Faculty of the University of Cologne in the winter term 2007/2008, the author explains alternative business models for the provision of unprotected digital media content and he discusses whether these potential business models qualify to endow content providers with sustai­ning profits. He shows that many providers of digital media content already have made positive experiences with the positive effects of copying. Thus, the alter­native business models he presents are not only theoretical. In contrast, it was the business practice that has presented these models before academics and journalists examined their potential for success. Not all of the ideas seized in this thesis are new, but digitalisation and digital copying have driven re-thinking among providers. From the author's conclusion: "Laws that have been valid are not valid any more for digital media content. As can be seen from the great portion of references with recent publication dates, the content industries are in transition. The more providers create successful alternative business models, the more pressure is put on their competitors to adopt as well. This seems to apply for all players of the value chain."

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction

2. Fundamentals of Digital Media Content
2.1. Definition and Disambiguation of Digital Media Content
2.2. Development of Digital Media Content

3. Business Model of Digital Media Content Provision with Copy Protection
3.1. Copyright Protection as a Prerequisite
3.2. Value Chain for Digital Media Content Provision with Copy Protection
3.3. Revenue Model of Digital Media Content Provision with Copy Protection
3.4. Value Propositions of Digital Media Content Provision with Copy Protection

4. Drivers towards Alternative Business Models without Copy Protection
4.1. Downsides of Copy Protection Techniques
4.2. Many Consumers Do Not Accept Copy Protection
4.3. Copying Harms Providers of Digital Media Content

5. Alternative Business Models of Digital Media Content Provision without Copy Protection
5.1. Combine Positive Effects of Copying with Partial Exclusion
5.2. Generate Revenues with Complementary Goods
5.3. Generate Revenues with Advertising

6. Discussion of Alternative Business Models for Different Types of Digital Media Content
6.1. Discussion of Combining Positive Effects of Copying with Partial Exclusion
6.2. Discussion of Generating Revenues with Complementary Goods
6.3. Discussion of Generating Revenues with Advertising

7. Consequences of Alternative Business Models
7.1. Consequences for Digital Media Content Providers
7.2. Consequences for Society and the Legislator

8. Conclusion