SHOULD STANDARDS BE FREE?

When word leaked out that global standards organization ISO was thinking about charging for the use of the currency, language and country codes that lie embedded in software and webpages, it set off an immediate storm of negative reaction.

Standards experts were disappointed, but not surprised that the Supreme Court didn't take the Rambus case. Day traders were smug and euphoric. Coming soon: The FTC decision.

Is there a way to make economic self-interest drive even monopolists to play nice?