Marketplace Roundup

Sharing Initiative Green Xchange Launching In '10

In N.Y., Mary Tripsas reports nonprofit organization Creative Commons "plans to start a sharing initiative, the Green Xchange, in early 2010" in collaboration with Nike and Best Buy. The companies that contribute patents to Green Xchange will "have the option of charging users a fixed annual licensing fee." For example, Nike's air-bag patent for cushioning shoes "may have environmental benefits in other industries -- perhaps in prolonging the useful life of tires." Green Xchange "could enable Nike to license the air-bag technology selectively to noncompeting companies." Nike Global Dir of Strategic Planning Kelly Lauber said that "sharing technology can have tremendous environmental impact" (N.Y. TIMES, 11/1).

IN THE GAME: In L.A., Melissa Rohlin reports "some Generation Y NBA players use" videogames as a "tool to enhance their real-life basketball skills." Grizzlies G Mike Conley noted his videogame character "never gets tired." Conley: "It made me want to be in better shape. I started working even more on my conditioning." Conley estimated that "four or five players on every NBA team are regular video game users." But some players "have a few complaints" about their characters. Knicks G Nate Robinson "wants his video character to be cuter." Clippers C DeAndre Jordan said, "When I play (in a real game), I'm right under the basket and I usually dunk it. My player (in the video game) shoots a jumper or finger-rolls it" (L.A. TIMES, 11/2).

FLYING V: In N.Y., Jeff Klein reports a skate-sharpening method called the flat-bottom V has "become popular among NHL professionals and weekend warriors alike." Ontario-based skate maintenance equipment manufacturer BlackStone Sports, which "developed the flat-bottom V method," said that players on "about 20 of the NHL's 30 teams have switched from the traditional sharpening method in use for decades" (N.Y. TIMES, 11/2).

SPONGE WORTHY: The Bobcats have entered into a three-year marketing partnership with SpongeTech. Elements of the partnership include TV and radio ads, a Web presence, rotational signage, premium item giveaway opportunities and retail opportunities for SpongeTech. The partnership also includes a VIP car wash for premium ticket holders, who will get their cars washed with SpongeTech products during select home games (Bobcats).