Federalism

“UP: Unlimited Potential” – GIPC’s International IP Index Is an Invaluable Resource for the IP Community

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) released the third edition of its International IP Index, “UP: Unlimited Potential.” The importance and implications of strong IP protections are emphasized and scores on 30 indicators provide detailed data on a broad spectrum of IP interests, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, international treaties and enforcement.

Like its predecessors, the guide compares the strength of intellectual property (IP) environments in a wide array of countries, and this year’s edition adds five more (Germany, Peru, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan) for a total of 30 country evaluations. The 2015 Index also includes first-time data on the correlation between strong IP Index scores and socio-economic goals, such as foreign direct investment, job creation in high-value-added industries and innovative output. Incorporating new features each year, the Index has become an essential resource for those in the international IP community.

UP: Unlimited Potential

Some of the developments in this year’s International IP Index include:

  • Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiating partners continue to improve their IP regimes, although Chile and Peru have yet to implement key provisions of the bilateral free trade agreements that they currently enjoy with the U.S.;
  • India’s IP environment has gotten better under PM Modi’s leadership, but concerns remain regarding India’s patentability requirements, which operate outside of established international best practices;
  • The United States scores poorly in enforcement due to ineffective border measures to seize counterfeit goods but is making strides in shutting down rogue websites;
  • New copyright amendments in Singapore have successfully improved the copyright regime; and
  • Disappointingly, several countries, including France, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand and the UK are considering the introduction of plain packaging policy.

Challenges

  • Enforcement as a category, is one of the weakest areas for all economies; and
  • Protection of trade secrets is emerging as new global challenge.

IP Protections Matter

The creation and protection of IP rights worldwide is an essential part of a dynamic economy, and a path towards innovation and progress. This is a fact that ALEC has long recognized, as the creation of a strong IP environment opens great opportunities for countries, which favor innovation, investment, and high-quality jobs. Insufficient IP laws and enforcement undermine the ability of creators and inventors to have their IP rights protected; prevent economies from moving forward; and limit engagement in global trade and development.

Since we operate in a global economy, weak IP laws and enforcement in other part of the world pose a threat to the U.S. innovation economy, while greater numbers of nations upholding strong IPR would strengthen economies worldwide. We are aiming toward higher standards everywhere because strong IP protections drive innovation.

 


In Depth: Federalism

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