Global coalition of think tanks stresses the importance of IP protection

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BrusselsReport.eu
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In a joint letter, a global coalition composed of 115 think tanks from 46 countries stresses the importance of IP protection, at the occasion of this year’s “World IP Day”, on 26 April. They thereby highlight how copyrights, trademarks, and patents work in harmony to ensure that every lyric, beat, and innovation can be protected, licensed, and monetized.

In the letter, the organisations note:

“Intellectual property rights are essential for advancing innovation, economic growth, and culture. They protect creations of the mind, such as inventions, artistic works, and symbols, ensuring that creators and businesses benefit from their efforts.

Unfortunately, there are a few voices that claim IP is a barrier to access, a regulation that privileges only a few countries and individuals and prevents technological breakthroughs from reaching many more. Nothing can be further from the truth.  IP is a crucial component of the innovation system and allows knowledge to be shared through contractual agreements better than any other system while keeping intact incentives for further innovation.

The below global coalition signed by 115 partners in 46 countries testifies to the universal applicability of robust IP rights. The World Intellectual Property Organization plays a key role in enabling global IP protection, offering services to safeguard ideas and acting as a forum for addressing emerging IP issues. By supporting creators and guiding decision-makers with vital data, WIPO helps ensure IP benefits everyone everywhere.”

The coalition thereby specifically focuses on the importance of small and medium-sized businesses, noting how a majority of SMEs still fail to register their IP, leaving significant potential for value creation untapped. The signatories note that “a study by the EUIPO and EPO demonstrates the importance of intellectual property rights for business success. Based on data from 119,000 EU firms (2013–2022), IPR owners generate 41% more revenue per employee, with SMEs benefiting the most, seeing a 44% increase. Trademarks and designs further boost performance, raising revenue by 40.9% and 29.3%, respectively. Yet, fewer than 10% of SMEs hold registered IPRs, revealing significant potential for growth and innovation. The findings highlight IPRs’ role in enhancing European competitiveness, wages, and sustainable progress”.

Music

“IP and music: Feel the beat of IP” has been picked as this year’s theme, in order to “highlight how IP rights empower creators and entrepreneurs in the music industry”. The signatories describe how this “underscores the vital role intellectual property rights play in promoting creativity and driving innovation across sectors. Music, as a universal language, exemplifies how IP rights fuel diverse industries while connecting and inspiring people worldwide.”

Furthermore, the coalition raises attention to the 2024 International Property Rights Index, which “reveals that countries included in the index represent 93.4% of the world’s population and account for 97.5% of global GDP. Notably, 60.3% of the world’s GDP is produced by 42 countries with only 16.1% of the global population, each boasting IPRI scores above 5.8.

This highlights a clear positive relationship between robust property rights systems and economic strength, emphasizing the large share of world GDP attributable to these nations. Policymakers in densely populated countries should carefully consider this connection, as it recommends the role of secure property rights in promoting economic resilience and growth.

Furthermore, the strong correlation between the Global Entrepreneurship Index and the IPRI and its components reinforces the critical importance of property rights in driving innovation and entrepreneurial success.” 

The signatories thereby conclude:

“On World Intellectual Property Day 2025, we recognize the essential role of IP in promoting innovation, economic growth, and cultural enrichment. Intellectual property protections enable creators and businesses to develop groundbreaking technologies, life-saving medical advancements, and artistic works that inspire and connect people worldwide. From healthcare to the music industry, strong IP rights provide the foundation for sustainable progress by ensuring that those who invest in innovation can reap the rewards of their efforts.

The impact of IP extends beyond economic success, it is a driving force behind technological breakthroughs and expanded access to essential goods and services. In the healthcare sector, IP protections encourage research and investment in cutting-edge treatments, allowing companies to scale production and ultimately reduce costs, making life-saving medicines and medical devices more affordable. In creative industries, copyrights and trademarks ensure that artists and entrepreneurs can continue producing new content, enriching societies while contributing to global economies.

As we continue to lead global efforts to strengthen intellectual property protections, international collaboration remains critical in ensuring that innovation benefits all.  By safeguarding IP, we empower individuals, bolster economic development, and create opportunities for future generations. IP frameworks are not just about protecting ideas—they are about shaping a world where progress, creativity, and prosperity thrive.”

Last week, the letter was presented at a launch event in Brussels and discussed at a policy breakfast at the European Parliament.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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