Chamber Study Highlights Oregon’s Innovative Contributions
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) today released a report highlighting Oregon’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 Oregon’s economy,” said Dr. Mark T. Esper, executive vice president of the Chamber’s GIPC. Oregon innovators received 2,282 patents in 2007, ranking the state in the top-20 in the U.S. for patents granted.In addition, in 2008, Oregon’s involvement in the creation and distribution of copyrighted works increased to more than 9,100—a 9.8 percent increase since 2007.
Esper noted examples of innovation and creativity in Oregon. Home to more than 86,000 workers, Oregon employs more than 7,000 people in the software industry and in other technology fields. Additionally, semiconductor manufacturing, which is the state’s largest technology sector, employs nearly 26,800.
“Indeed, Oregonians are proven innovators,” said Esper. The computer mouse, which enabled user-friendly-information systems, was invented by Portland native, Douglas Carl Engelbart. Another Portland-native, Ray Dolby, developed the noise reduction system, which developed into the lucrative Dolby Digital Surround Sound system. “America has a unique story to tell, and Oregon plays a large role in this story. Innovation and creativity are essential to economic growth and human advancement, and Oregon’s IP contributions reflect this.”
The Oregon 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.
