 By the late 18th century, the Press had become more focused.Early copyright law had begun to undercut the Stationers, and the university took pains to lease out its Bible work to experienced printers.When the American War of Independence deprived Oxford of a valuable market for its Bibles, this lease became too risky a proposition, and the Delegates were forced to offer shares in the Press to those who could take "the care and trouble of managing the trade for our mutual advantage."