The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) have released a study analyzing the impact of intellectual property rights (IPRs) on firm performance across the EU, focusing on patents, trademarks, and designs. The study, based on data from 119,000 firms in all 27 EU Member States between 2013 and 2022, highlights the significant advantages IPR ownership brings to businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Key Findings:
IPR Ownership Boosts Revenue and Wages:
Firms with IPRs achieve 23.8% higher revenue per employee than those without IPRs.
After adjusting for factors like industry, size, and location, the revenue advantage increases to 41%.
IPR-owning firms also pay 22.1% higher wages on average.
SMEs Experience the Most Benefits:
SMEs with IPRs report 44% higher revenue per employee, compared to 16% for large firms.
Impact of Specific IPR Types:
Firms with EU trademarks see a 40.9% increase in revenue per employee.
Companies holding registered designs experience a 29.3% revenue boost and a 24.8% rise in wages.
Low IPR Adoption Among SMEs:
While nearly 50% of large firms own IPRs, fewer than 10% of SMEs have registered IPRs.
This points to a significant untapped potential for SMEs to leverage IPRs for growth and innovation.
Key Sectors Affected:
Industries like information and communication (14.8%), manufacturing (14.2%), and scientific and technical activities (10.7%) benefit the most from IPR ownership.
Methodology:
The study used the ORBIS dataset, which integrates firms’ financial and demographic data with intellectual property records from the EUIPO, EPO, and national/regional IP offices.
The analysis employed weights and controls to address sampling disparities and ensure accurate comparisons.
Recommendations:
The findings emphasize the critical role of IPRs in driving European competitiveness, wage growth, and innovation. The study aligns with the Draghi report, advocating for initiatives to help businesses, especially SMEs, adopt IPRs as tools for sustainable growth and success.
This report underscores the importance of fostering a culture of intellectual property adoption, particularly among SMEs, to enhance innovation and economic performance across the EU.
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