Ask HN: business model for a new image format?

3 pointsnadam1 comment

I am currently working on an image compression algorithm. In lossless mode, it is already 30% better than .png for average photos, and I hope I can make it even better. What do you think: is it possible to make a new image format widely adopted, and still somehow make money from it? (Sorry for my English.)

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At first glance, I think it would be a capital intensive business. The only way I can think to make money would be licensing, which is expensive in terms of getting the legal work done and protecting and enforcing your intellectual property. Of course, you can always license it to someone else who can resell it, giving you royalties.

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