1. Explain what happened to the Gore-Tex brand after the patent expired. What activity can

firms use to try to maintain any advantage developed during the patent protection phase?

2. List some of the wide range of products where the Gore-Tex fabric has been applied.

3. It seems that Gore Associates is heavily oriented towards technology; what are some of the

dangers of being too heavily focused on technology?

4. Cooperatives and share-ownership schemes provide many attractions and benefits, but

there are also limitations; discuss these.

5. What has been the Gore strategy to achieving success in its markets? How is this strategy

now being challenged?

6. Using CIM (Figure 1.9) illustrate the innovation processes within W.L. Gore.

Questions 1. Explain what happened to the Gore-Tex brand after the patent expired. What activity can firms use to try to maintain any advantage developed during the patent protection phase? 2. List some of the wide range of products where the Gore-Tex fabric has been applied. 3. It seems that Gore Associates is heavily oriented towards technology; what are some of the dangers of being too heavily focused on technology? 4. Cooperatives and share-ownership schemes provide many attractions and benefits, but there are also limitations; discuss these. 5. What has been the Gore strategy to achieving success in its markets? How is this strategy now being challenged? 6. Using CIM (Figure 1.9) illustrate the innovation processes within W.L. Gore. Instruction: Q 1-5 can be written in 50-100 words, but Q6 (150-300 words) must identify all 5 key activities e.g. Natural sciences cycle, Integrated engineering cycle, Differentiated services cycle, Social sciences cycle, Entrepreneur.