EU studies on economic importance of IP and consumer perception

Transcription

1 22 nd IP Law & Policy Conference Fordham University School of Law EU studies on economic importance of IP and consumer perception Paul Maier Director EU Observatory on infringements of IPR April 24-25, 2014

2 Studies Presentation 1. Economic importance of IPR intensive industries: contribution to economic performance and employment 2. European citizens and IP: perception, awareness and behaviour 2

3 Methodology: IP Contribution study In order to determine which industries are IPR-intensive, the register databases of OHIM and EPO were matched with the commercial database ORBIS. Using this data, the number of trade marks, designs and patents per employee was calculated for each industry, and the industries which were above average according to this measure were considered to be IPRintensive. For copyright WIPO methodology. For GIs Commission study. For more information on the methodology of the study, please visit 3

4 IPR-intensive industries Most IPR-intensive industries are intensive in more than one type of IPR. 4

5 Contribution of IPR-intensive industries to employment 26% of all EU jobs were directly generated by IPR-intensive industries during the period An additional 9% were generated indirectly, by industries that supply goods and services to the IPR-intensive industries, for a total of 35% of all EU jobs. 5

6 Contribution of IPR-intensive industries to GDP 39% of total economic activity (GDP) in the European Union was generated by IPR-intensive industries from This totals over 4.7 trillion annually. 6

7 Contribution of IPR-intensive industries to remuneration IPR-intensive industries pay significantly more than other industries, with a wage premium of over 40%. 7

8 Contribution of IPR-intensive industries to trade Even industries producing energy are IPR-intensive. For that reason, 88% of EU imports consist of products from IPRintensive industries. 8

9 Contribution of IPR-intensive industries to trade However, an even higher share of EU exports - 90% - is accounted for by IPR-intensive industries. 9

10 Comparison with the USA Comparing the results for the EU with those of a USA study* reveals that the contributions of IPRintensive industries are similar. *undertaken by the US Patent and Trademark Office 10

11 IP Perception 3 Phases Desk research Qualitative phase Quantitative phase (26,500 interviews) 11

12 IP Perception study The European citizens value IP as a fundamental element of the economic and social system. However on a personal level they justify certain infringements. A study commissioned by the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market in the frame-work of the Observatory programme. November 2013 The difference between the two opinions can be explained, according to the survey, by the fact that many of those questioned believe that IP does not benefit them personally or that the IP system does not meet their expectations, in areas like price, availability, diversity or quality. 12

13 Main Findings of the report European citizens value IP: 96% of Europeans say Intellectual Property (IP) is important because it supports innovation and creativity by rewarding inventors, creators and artists for their work. 86% agree that protecting IP contributes to improving the quality of products and services. 69% of Europeans value IP because they believe it contributes to the creation of jobs and economic well-being. 13

14 Main Findings of the report But from personal perspective a significant number of Europeans believe that certain IP infringements can be justified: 38% of EU citizens surveyed agree with the statement buying counterfeit products is an act of protest and a way to resist to the market driven economy and the large premium brands. This figure rises to 49% for EU citizens between years old. 34% of EU citizens surveyed agree with the statement buying counterfeit products allows making a smart purchase that enables to have the items that you wanted while preserving your purchasing power. This figure rises to 49% or EU citizens between years old. 14

15 Main Findings of the report 43% of Europeans consider that big companies are the primary beneficiaries of IP. 11% of Europeans consider that consumers like themselves are the primary beneficiaries of IP. Younger generation is significantly different than the other age groups years old value IP but justify IP infringement and challenge more than others the IP system and its benefits. 15

16 Main Findings of the report 22% of Europeans consider it is acceptable to download or access copyright-protected content illegally when there is no legal alternative in their country. This is 42% amongst citizens from 15 to 24 years old. 42% of Europeans consider it is acceptable to download or access copyright protected content illegally when it is for personal use. This number rises from 15 points to 57% amongst citizens from 15 to 24 years old. 16

17 Conclusions IP is central in our economies Consumers / citizens show scepticism Avoid to give arguments to IP opponents EC/EP seem ready to look into IP revision Debates will be heated 17

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