The Billion Dollar Code is a four part dramatised miniseries inspired by the development of Terravision, a 1990s digital mapping project. Years later, its creators pursue a legal claim alleging that their ideas were used in the creation of Google Earth. The story moves between early experimentation, commercialisation and courtroom conflict.
Use in class
The series is well suited to information systems, innovation and intellectual property modules. It encourages analysis of digital mapping, network effects, appropriation of innovation and the difficulty of protecting ideas in fast moving technology markets. It also offers a useful case for exploring venture funding, founder relationships and litigation as a strategic response.
