How Intellectual Property Supports the U.S. Economy

Intellectual property rights support industries across many parts of the economy, from technology and manufacturing to entertainment, pharmaceuticals and consumer products.

This infographic illustrates the economic importance of IP-intensive industries in the United States. It highlights their contribution to GDP, merchandise exports, employment and wage premiums.

It also draws attention to the economic cost of IP crime, including trade secret theft, software piracy and counterfeit and pirated goods.

The figures shown in this infographic come from an earlier period and should therefore be viewed as a historical snapshot rather than current U.S. economic data. More recent research continues to show that IP-intensive industries remain an important source of employment, output, exports and investment.

Source: Source information as shown in the original infographic