The color monopoly
Digest
This podcast delves into the fascinating story of Pantone, a company that has revolutionized the way we communicate color. It begins by highlighting the challenges faced by printing companies in the 1960s, where inconsistent color reproduction was a major issue. Larry Herbert, the founder of Pantone, recognized this problem and set out to create a standardized system for color communication. He achieved this by meticulously researching commonly used colors and developing consistent ink recipes, strategically targeting smaller ink manufacturers to build a network effect that led to widespread adoption of the Pantone system. The podcast then explores the legal battles Pantone faced against copycat companies that attempted to replicate its color system. The lawsuit centered around whether Pantone could own the standard it created and copyright the colors and codes in its system. The judge ultimately ruled in favor of Pantone, solidifying its monopoly on color communication. However, the podcast also examines the consequences of Pantone's monopoly on artists and designers. The company's decision to implement a subscription model for its digital color palettes led to widespread frustration and a sense of unfairness. The episode features Stuart Simple, an artist who created a free alternative color palette called "Free Tone" to challenge Pantone's dominance. The podcast concludes by examining the economics of standards and the potential for a more open and free system for color communication. It highlights the value of standards in creating efficiency and consistency but also raises concerns about the potential for abuse when a single company controls a standard. The episode leaves viewers with questions about the future of color communication and the possibility of a more equitable system.
Outlines
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Rise and Impact of Pantone: A Color Revolution
This episode explores the story of Pantone, a company that has become the industry standard for color communication. It delves into how Larry Herbert, the founder of Pantone, created a universal language for color, overcoming challenges and establishing a monopoly in the process. The episode also examines the impact of Pantone's dominance on artists and designers, particularly when the company implemented a subscription model for its digital color palettes.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Pantone's Monopoly and its Consequences
This episode discusses the legal battles Pantone faced against copycat companies and the consequences of its monopoly on artists and designers. It highlights the company's decision to implement a subscription model for its digital color palettes, which sparked frustration and a sense of unfairness. The episode also features Stuart Simple, an artist who created a free alternative color palette called "Free Tone" to challenge Pantone's dominance.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Future of Color Communication: Open Standards or Monopoly?
This episode examines the economics of standards and the potential for a more open and free system for color communication. It highlights the value of standards in creating efficiency and consistency but also raises concerns about the potential for abuse when a single company controls a standard. The episode leaves viewers with questions about the future of color communication and the possibility of a more equitable system.
Keywords
Pantone
Pantone is a company that has become the industry standard for color communication. It developed a system of color codes and palettes that are widely used by designers, artists, and manufacturers worldwide.
Color Standard
A color standard is a system that defines and standardizes colors, ensuring consistency and accuracy in color reproduction across different industries and applications.
Monopoly
A monopoly is a situation where a single company controls a particular market or industry, often leading to higher prices and limited choices for consumers.
Network Effect
A network effect occurs when the value of a product or service increases as more people use it. This is often seen in social media platforms and online marketplaces.
Copyright
Copyright is a legal right that protects original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, and certain other intellectual works.
Digital Color Palette
A digital color palette is a set of colors that can be used in digital design software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
Free Tone
Free Tone is a free alternative color palette created by artist Stuart Simple, designed to provide access to Pantone's colors without paying a subscription fee.
Standard
A standard is a set of rules, guidelines, or specifications that are widely accepted and used within a particular industry or field.
Industry Standard
An industry standard is a standard that is widely adopted and used by companies and professionals within a particular industry.
Q&A
How did Larry Herbert create a universal language for color?
Larry Herbert created a thoughtful color standard by researching commonly used colors and developing consistent ink recipes. He also strategically targeted smaller ink manufacturers, building a network effect that led to widespread adoption of the Pantone system.
What are the consequences of Pantone's monopoly on color communication?
Pantone's monopoly has led to concerns about unfair pricing and limited choices for artists and designers. The company's decision to implement a subscription model for its digital color palettes sparked frustration and a sense of unfairness.
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of a more open and free system for color communication?
A more open and free system for color communication could potentially lead to lower prices, greater innovation, and more equitable access to color resources. However, it could also create challenges in maintaining consistency and accuracy across different industries and applications.
Show Notes
Pantone is known for their Color of the Year forecasts, but they actually make the bulk of their money from selling color reference guides. These guides are the standard for how designers pretty much anywhere talk about color.
On today's show, how did Pantone come to control the language of the rainbow? We look back at the history of Pantone, beginning with the man who made Pantone into the industry standard. And, we hear from Stuart, who tried to break the color monopoly.
Share your thoughts — What color should we choose to be Planet Money's color?
This episode was hosted by Sam Yellowhorse Kesler and Jeff Guo, and produced by Willa Rubin with help from James Sneed. It was edited by Jess Jiang and fact-checked by Sierra Juarez. Engineering by Debbie Daughtry with help from Carl Craft. Alex Goldmark is Planet Money's executive producer.
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