Economic growth begins with ideas, innovation and creativity. Since the signing of the Constitution, the U.S. has protected the fruits of creativity and innovation through intellectual property protection, primarily expressed as patents, trademarks, copyright and trade secrets.
As our economy has become even more dependent on innovation, intellectual property issues have been pushed to the forefront. The clashes have led some to question the value and even the legitimacy of IP protection. While some of these attacks come from the libertarian perspective, most originate from the same naïve socialist impulses that so demonstrably failed in the realm of real property—but somehow are seen as thoughtful with respect to IP.
IPI believes that creators have the right to own and control the fruits of their creativity, and that the IP system has done an admirable job of not only incentivizing innovation, but also making creative products and services available to the public and transferring technology to the developing world.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property rights deserve the same protections as physical property rights, said an open letter to Congress from 67 advocacy groups, industry associations and scholars Monday.
Advocacy, Trade Groups Implore Congress to Protect IP Rights
Intellectual property rights deserve the same protections as physical property rights, said an open letter to Congress from 67 advocacy groups, industry associations and scholars Monday.
Coalition Letter to Congress Emphasizing the Importance of IP Protection
Signed by 66 think tanks, advocacy groups, scholars, issue experts and stakeholders, the letter expresses strong support for all types of IP. Instead of weakening the rights of innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs Congress should reflect on the integral role IP rights plays in American economic, technological, and cultural leadership. As such, Congress should focus on preserving and enhancing IP rights by fostering market based solutions to widespread IP theft.
Free Music Isn't Such A Bargain After All
On the surface, the idea of free music is great, but the future of the art form depends on how many people will continue to pay for it. Here’s why: Music piracy has cost the recording industry more than 70,000 jobs and $2 billion in lost wages to American workers. According to the Institute for Policy Innovation, piracy equals $12.5 billion in losses to the economy every year.
A Truer Value of Art and Culture
We all benefit when artists and creators invent, write, film and imagine. It’s also true that we all lose when piracy, whether via hacking or other means, is left to run rampant.
Leaked Slides Show Sony's Worry About Piracy in the Movie Business
The leaked slides offer a glimpse into what big-time movie studios are thinking when it comes to their competition. According to a study by the Institute for Policy Innovation, film piracy was costing the U.S. economy $20.5 billion annually.
Avast! Musicians, Artists and Actors Hurt by Acts of Online Piracy
Aaccording to the Institute for Policy Innovation, about $17 billion and 70,000 jobs are lost every year due to piracy, which is definitely a factor causing our poor economy.
Innovation: The Shape of Things to Come
For our innovation economy to flourish, we need a robust, functioning patent system, and ending the litigation treadmill would play a positive role.
Innovation: The Shape of Things To Come
Several companies have been distracted by litigation, or the threat of litigation, causing them to invest their energy and resources in litigation rather than in the successful commercialization of innovation.