It’s unlikely that intellectual property was the first thing that came to mind the last time you opened up a pack of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups™. However, you probably sought out a particular brand. Brand integrity is built upon a foundation of strong protection of intellectual property (IP) through trademark law. Trademarks are also just one small piece of IP, which is also made up of patents, copyright and trade secrets.

Your favorite sweet treat, and millions of other branded products, are also responsible for millions of jobs. In combination, IP intensive industries employ more than 40 million people and account for 46% of private sector employment. Those jobs receive an average wage that is 30% higher than the national average. The combined output produced by companies in IP-intensive industries is nearly $6 trillion; that’s approximately $1 trillion of American exports.

This week, GIPC partnered with the National Confectioners Association and communications leaders from the U.S. Senate Press Secretaries Association to highlight the benefits of IP at a rooftop reception here at the U.S. Chamber. GIPC will continue reaching out to key audiences like these to raise the profile of IP and our industry association.

How many IP jobs are in your state? Find out here.

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See pictures from the event here.

Photos courtesy of Ben Droz.