U.S. Chamber Releases Study on Importance of Intellectual Property in All 50 States

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) today released a report highlighting New York’s contributions to America’s innovation economy. This study is part of GIPC’s State Fact Sheets, which provide a look at the roles innovation and creativity play in each state. The report highlights local companies and facts demonstrating how innovation and creativity—which are safeguarded by strong IP rights—serve as a driving force behind economic recovery and future growth.

“Innovation and creativity are vital to New York’s economy,” said Dr. Mark Esper, executive vice president of the Chamber’s GIPC. In 2007, New York received 6,025 patents, ranking 3rd in the nation. Additionally, in 2008 New York ranked 9th in the Kauffman Foundation’s overall indexfor knowledge jobs, technical innovation capacity, and transformation to a digital economy.

Esper noted examples of innovation and creativity in New York. In 2007, New York applied for more than 10% of all trademark applications filed by U.S. citizens. New York also has the 4th largest concentration of entertainment software companies, which contributes $279.1 million to the state economy. Additionally, the film production sector in New York contributes $7.4 billion dollars to local wages.

“Indeed, New Yorkers are proven innovators,” said Esper. In 1895, George Seldon of Rochester patented the first automobile. More recently, in 1988, Samuel Blum, M.D., helped invent and patent Lasik eye surgery along with two other New Yorkers. “America has a unique story to tell, and New York plays a large role in this story. Innovation and creativity are essential to economic growth and human advancement, and New York’s IP contributions reflect this.”

The New York State Fact Sheet is intended to be a resource for legislators, policymakers, and the public to identify successful companies, inventors, creative artists, and innovators to better understand the role they play in our economy and society. As part of an easy-to-use, interactive map, the State Fact Sheet project can be accessed online at www.theglobalipcenter.com, as well as in a printable format.

The Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion intellectual property (IP) as vital to creating jobs, saving lives, advancing global economic growth, and generating breakthrough solutions to global challenges.

The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.