At a time when companies are launching CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) projects, they are increasingly assuming the role they have to play in the economy and society as a whole. As generators of employment, innovative companies are attracting a great deal of attention. New uses, new needs, new jobs? In any case, it was to encourage this dynamism that the PACTE law was introduced. Industrial and intellectual property rights (trademarks, patents, designs and models) are thus asserting themselves as additional levers for growth. See for yourself!
Analyze the contribution of IP to the European economy
To determine the influence of intellectual property, it is useful to calculate the “IPR-intensive industres”. In a nutshell, this index measures the financial contribution made to a company by IP titles, based on the number of employees. The 2019 “Status Report on IPR Infringement” from EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) announces some very interesting figures.
Leverage growth for companies.
Owning an IP title has several advantages for a company. A title, such as a patent, has a value which is included in the company’s assets. A patent is a powerful argument when applying for financing (bank loans, fund-raising, etc.).
As growth rhymes with investment, a company that can generate more cash often grows faster.
According to the EUIPO report, companies with IP titles have a larger workforce than those without: 547 employees on average, compared with 94.
Looking more closely at SMEs in the European Union, the report also shows that those filing applications (patents, trademark registrations, etc.) are more likely to achieve strong growth over the next 3 years. This is all the more true for those who opt for a European patent, rather than just a national patent. This shows the importance of economic development abroad, and of protecting industrial property in the territories targeted by one’s strategy.
Better-paid employees
It’s worth noting that, since IP securities bring real value to companies, their employees are also better paid. The average pay gap is 20%.
The gap reaches 41% for patent-holding companies!
Among the sectors encouraged, a recent press release from the European Commission announces that the fight against climate change could very well be a factor of growth and employment. It’s up to us!
SMEs still reticent about procedures
Surveying SMEs that have obtained IP titles, 47% say they have had a positive impact on their business. 13% believe they have had a very positive impact.
YesMyPatent.com democratizes patentingPatent in 3 clicks! I protect my invention
Already convinced, these entrepreneurs are mainly motivated by the prevention of counterfeiting, legal certainty, and the increased value of their company. Finally, they even declare that these titles enhance their brand image. Don’t we see “patented” on packaging and in advertising?
However, SMEs lament a lack of information on intellectual property law and industrial property law. These shortcomings lead to a lack of awareness of the real value that IP titles can bring to their businesses. When you consider that only 23% of SMEs in the European Union hold IP titles, there’s a real shortfall!
Infographic: figures to remember
