Published
June 03, 2024
The Chamber releases an annual International Intellectual Property (“IP”) Index to evaluate the state of IP protection in 55 economies. Our report provides a cross-sectoral snapshot of the markets that excel at IP protection and enforcement, and highlights areas where governments can improve the framework for IP-driven innovation and creativity.
The highlights: While developed economies—including the U.S., UK, and EU economies—round out the top five in the rankings, emerging markets are increasingly taking steps to strengthen IP protections. In the 2024 report, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Nigeria had the largest improvements in overall score.
Zoom-in on trademarks: Over the 12 editions of the report, there has been a dramatic increase in counterfeit goods sold online. While many economies in the report lack the resources and appropriate mechanisms to combat infringing content online, the world’s IP leaders and emerging markets are taking steps to enhance brand protection and enforcement. For example, the UK—who ranks second overall in the enforcement indicators—continues to strengthen IP enforcement, including through a new strategy to improve intelligence activities related to IP infringement.
Yes, and: Developing economies are also increasingly taking action either related to trademark enforcement or through the establishment of new legal precedent.
- The Saudi IP Authority seized over 12 million trademark and design infringing items and took down nearly 60,000 e-commerce-related ads and infringing content.
- Taiwan’s Supreme Administrative Court issued a potentially precedent setting ruling on what constitutes a well-known mark.
- Pakistan’s Trademarks (Amendment) Act improved the trademark registration process and codified Pakistan’s commitments under the Madrid Protocol.
Why it matters: The Index not only illustrates trends in IP protection and enforcement, it also demonstrates the concrete socio-economic benefits countries can receive if they make a conscious policy choice to invest in stronger IP protection. For example, economies with the most effective IP frameworks in place:
- Have nearly 40% higher levels of international trademark applications
- Are 40% more attractive to foreign investment
- Are 32% more likely to see private sector investment in R&D
- Are up to 40% more competitive.
The bottom line: When countries take steps to improve their IP frameworks, the economic benefits are real.
About the authors
Kelly Anderson
Kelly Anderson is the Executive Director of International Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
