The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has hailed the release of a new European Union report revealing that intellectual property-intensive industries generate almost 40 percent of total economic activity and create 26 percent of all jobs in the EU – but cautioned the bloc’s leaders to act on the findings to strengthen intellectual property.
Compiled by the European Commission, the Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market and the European Patent Office, the report – comparable to a 2012 study on the impact of IP industries in the United States – leaves no doubt that IP-based industries are a cornerstone of the European economy. It confirms ICC’s longstanding position that IP and IP rights drive economic growth, investment and employment, and underpin vibrant, innovative and growing economies.
Welcoming the report findings that IP is a critical asset for businesses and economies around the world, ICC Secretary General Jean-Guy Carrier said: “Coming at a time when Europe is facing unprecedented economic challenges, this report demonstrates to European policymakers that if they want to stimulate economic growth and employment, they must support innovative companies that drive the economy. This can be achieved by promoting effective IP systems, and putting in place measures to protect their IP rights.”
Read more on the ICC website.