The latest research ”Intellectual property rights and firm performance in the European Union” conducted by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) shows that European businesses that have protected their IP (regardless of whether we think of patents, trademarks or industrial designs) on average achieve significantly better results in the market, when compared to businesses that have not done so. The study covered over 119,000 business subjects from all 27 member states of the EU in the period of 2013-2022.
Key findings of the study:
- Business subjects that own patents, trademarks or industrial designs have an average of 41% higher revenue per employee;
- The effect is particularly strong in SMEs; their revenue per employee is an average 44% higher when compared to those businesses that have not protected their IP assets;
- In addition, companies that protect their IP spend about 22% more on average for the salaries of the employees, while those with granted patents lead the way when average salaries are concerned;
- Research indicates that IPR protection is present, in particular, in the field of communications, manufacturing, as well as professional, scientific and technical businesses.
However, the research shows that even less than 10% of the SMEs in Europe use the IPR protection system, indicating the great unused potential for the further growth and improvement of businesses.
Why is this important?
Research results indicate that the IPR protection does not only help business subjects to improve financial success, but also contributes to the strengthening of their market competitiveness.
Investment in the protection of innovations represents one of the key elements for the attraction of investments, sustainable development and long-lasting success on the market.
If you wish to know more about how European business subjects use the system of IPR protection and how this protection may influence the growth and performances of your business, download complete study in PDF format at the following link.