When a marijuana edibles company tries to parody the name of a well known candy brand, it can expect to wind up in court.
Regulatory Policy
What We Might Not Know About Big Tech
Comparing the companies called big tech, we can see the similar ways that they grew, diversified, and became increasingly powerful.
How Password Sharing Is Similar to (Airplane Seat) Recline Rage
Many of us share Netflix passwords. We think it is okay to recline in our airplane seat. And we would be horrified if someone casually took the groceries out of our cart at the checkout. All three situations are similar.…
The Economic Side of a License Plate
Long ago, someone figured out that we needed a license plate as an identifier. In New York State, between 1901 and 1909, drivers made their own from felt, leather, or metal. The first NYS plates had people’s initials: Once…
Why the World Needs One Time
Last night, at 12 a.m., Daylight Saving Time (DST) began when our clocks moved forward an hour. Whereas I would have seen the sunrise at 6:11 in New Jersey, instead, it’s at 7:11. Correspondingly, sunset switched from 6:02 on March…
Checking on China: Phase One of the Trade Deal
Looking at the Peterson Institute’s 2020 numbers for the first phase of the US-China Trade Deal, we can see if the agreement is working.
The Unexpected Cost of a Pistachio Nut
A small city in California is dealing with a big dilemma. Ridgecrest is the home of thriving pistachio farmers. The city also depends on a nearby U.S. Navy base for most of its tax revenue. They both need a lot…
Where Mount Everest Economics Take Us
Whether looking at its newfound height, the traffic jams, or the role of Nepal, Mount Everest always takes us to the margin.
When a Scotch Egg Is Like an Apple (iPad)
Sometimes regulatory incentives can have consequences that make a Scotch egg in the U.K. and an Apple iPad in the U.S. similar.
Why It’s Tough To Eat Less (Real) Chocolate
When the fight against obesity comes down to a battle against chocolate consumption, winning will be tough.