Case Study: Mysimon

mySimon the premier comparison shopping destination, helps people make more informed purchase decisions whenever they shop. mySimon uses Virtual Agent™ technology to create “intelligent agents” trained by the company’s team of shopping experts to collect information from virtually every online store. The result is the best product and pricing information across the Web. The winner of numerous awards and accolades for its comprehensive, easy-to-use service, mySimon was rated the “Forbes Favorite in Comparison Shopping” by Forbes Magazine in November 2001 and had 2.8 million unique users in November 2001 according to Nielsen. mySimon is owned by CNET Networks, a top 10 Internet company with established Web sites in 25 countries and 16 languages. It is one of four major CNET Networks brands, together with CNET, ZDNet, and GameSpot. [Source: CNET Networks, Inc.]

Things to read:

Questions to consider:

  • What is mySimon? How does the service work?
  • Why would a merchant want to have its products listed on mySimon queries?
  • Does mySimon encourage price competition at the expense of brand?
  • What is mySimon’s business model?

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Selected trademark applications and registrations:

Selected patent applications: