The latest news in the world of customer experience and customer loyalty.
IBM Sues Groupon
International Business Machine Corporation (IBM) is going to war with Groupon, the online coupon business. IBM is asking for a small award of just $166.5 million for Groupon’s use of four patented technologies. IBM alleges that, “Groupon built its online coupon business on the back of International Business Machines Corp.’s e-commerce inventions without permission.” All major companies, such as Amazon and Facebook for example, have bought licenses to use IBM’s technology, Groupon has not. Groupon’s lawyer defended the brand by going on to say, “IBM uses its huge stock of patents as a club to ensure that any company doing business on the web must go through IBM.” Through its patents, IBM reported $1.19 billion in intellectual property last year alone. From the outside looking in, it is easy to see how Groupon was confused. IBM filed for 9,043 in 2017 alone.
No More IHOb… and Cheap Pancakes
Today, July 17th, from 7 AM to 7 PM, the International House of Pancakes will be selling short stacks for just 60 cents. The move comes as a way of honoring the brand’s 60th anniversary. It is also the brand’s official switch back into “IHOP,” as “IHOb’s” days have come to a close. The promotional move that was done in order to highlight its new burger line was met with mixed reviews throughout the country. Some people thought it was comical while others took it a bit too serious. While the new burgers have been met with the majority of reviews being positive, IHOP’s pancake line will always be its bread and butter. So, for you customers who were a little too aggressive about the move and, “Took your business to Denny’s,” rest easy, your favorite brand is finally back to the same traditional name you’ve come to know and love.