Wall Street wins a case but Pandas win bigger for now
Written by Michael Vass
In a move that will further support the custom postage label, Stamps.com (no relation) won unanimously its case vs. Kara Technology, Inc. The 4 year old case focused on NetStamps and the patent held by Stamps.com. The reaction on Wall Street was negligible (a .02 cent rise in the stock price) but I would say that among stamp collectors it was another blow.
This only further cements the ingrained position that internet custom postage companies have today. While it is not a big deal to most at this point, I am looking forward and seeing fewer and fewer stamps being used. While that will make older stamps more valuable it will also decrease the number of new collectors from growing.
In addition it takes away from positive social programs that helps millions. One example are the limited edition prestige stamps with a giant panda paw print and giant pandas. These special stamps were designed with the proceeds targeted to the earthquake-ravaged southwest China Sichuan Province. In one day over $176,000 has been raised, and I know some collectors are interested in acquiring these stamps both for the cause and their rarity.
Internet postage will never have the ability to inspire or captivate the mind as stamps can. But future technology strides are the strides of giants, and once in motion it’s very hard to stop. Until then, someone let me know where I can get a Panda.
