The ninth annual U.S. Chamber International IP Index evaluates IP rights in 53 global economies across 50 unique indicators — from patent and copyright policies to commercialization of IP assets and ratification of international treaties. The Index illustrates that economies with the most effective intellectual property (IP) frameworks are more likely to achieve the socio-economic benefits needed to face our biggest challenges, like COVID-19.

Key Findings

IP is stronger globally despite some governments’ misguided response to COVID-19.
IP is stronger globally despite some governments’ misguided response to COVID-19.

Report shows 32 of the 53 economies benchmarked had positive improvements in their scores.

Trade agreements continue to substantively improve national IP frameworks.
Trade agreements continue to substantively improve national IP frameworks.

Nations that commit to trade agreements achieve the greatest overall increases—including a 3.9% increase for China, and 3.87% rise for Mexico.

IP supercharged development of therapeutic solutions to combat COVID-19.
IP supercharged development of therapeutic solutions to combat COVID-19.

IP enabled discovery of new vaccines using novel technologies at unprecedented speeds along with public-private partnerships on a massive scale—all to combat COVID-19.

Proposals by some economies could weaken the IP framework responsible for COVID-related innovation.
Proposals by some economies could weaken the IP framework responsible for COVID-related innovation.

Actions by several economies to weaken IP through misguided policies, like compulsory licensing, may jeopardize the crucial development of new innovations to combat pandemic.

“In 2021, recovery through ingenuity is within our grasp if we enable innovators and creators to keep reaching.”

“Transparent and predictable IP rights provide the legal and economic basis for an unprecedented and successful collaboration between government, industry, academia, and NGOs.”

“Effective IP systems, outlined in the IP Index, are critical to rebuilding healthy communities, getting people back to work, and reinvigorating the global economy.”

View 2021 Report View Executive Summary