Actually, Coke's formula isn't patented. Many say it's the best kept trade secret in the world. They keep competitors from copying them by keeping their recipe a secret.
Is it really that difficult to reverse engineer Coke's "formula"? I find it hard to believe that, with the tools we have today, no company could create an exact duplicate. Maybe the the real issue is that they could, but then couldn't reproduce the brand.
Still, even if the recipe was known,there is a distinct Coca Cola experience that no competitor can copy. It's one of the most known brands in the world. If a competitor would sell his stuff which would taste exactly like Coca Cola the consumer still wouldn't get the status of drinking the real thing.
For startups I think the best advice is to stay relevant. Don't ever think you're done. Look at what happened to myspace.
Comments
Actually, Coke's formula isn't patented. Many say it's the best kept trade secret in the world. They keep competitors from copying them by keeping their recipe a secret.
Is it really that difficult to reverse engineer Coke's "formula"? I find it hard to believe that, with the tools we have today, no company could create an exact duplicate. Maybe the the real issue is that they could, but then couldn't reproduce the brand.
Still, even if the recipe was known,there is a distinct Coca Cola experience that no competitor can copy. It's one of the most known brands in the world. If a competitor would sell his stuff which would taste exactly like Coca Cola the consumer still wouldn't get the status of drinking the real thing.
For startups I think the best advice is to stay relevant. Don't ever think you're done. Look at what happened to myspace.