Intellectual Property protection is an essential pillar for the global economy, since it protects investments of time and money made by a person or corporation to develop an invention. In this way, legal protection of intellectual property rights provides security to boost innovation, to foster creativity and fuel economic development by creating an environment that encourages investment in research and development (R&D).
Intellectual Property has positive impacts on the global economy, as demonstrated in the pharmaceutical sector, for example, where most essential products listed by the World Health Organization have been a result of intensive research protected by patents, contributing to improve and save lives worldwide. Other sectors, such as agriculture, also benefit from this, as seen in cases where new products are developed to increase food production, not only reducing hunger but also minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture.
International cooperation is also stimulated through Intellectual Property, as companies and research institutions are encouraged to share their knowledge and technologies with partners worldwide by entering in agreements that safeguard the parties’ prior intellectual property and provide for the ownership of inventions created through joint efforts, which allows for secure information sharing. This, in turn, promotes innovation and improves existing products or processes.
As such, the impact of Intellectual Property on the global economy is undeniable, driving innovation, competitiveness, and technological progress worldwide. Investing in the protection of intellectual property rights internationally is essential to economic growth and promoting sustainable development in a context of rapid technological evolution and global interconnection.
In a globalized and highly volatile market, it is important to safeguard intellectual property rights, as this protection is crucial in enhancing the value of companies. Those that invest in research and R&D must seek legal counsel to protect their intellectual property in all countries where their activities may be carried out, as this ensures that their investments will be protected according to the applicable regulations of each country, and the market structure, local business competition laws, and the fostering of innovation and development.
The strength of protection depends not only on the scope of the rights granted, but also on the ability of competitors to create non-infringing products and technologies, and the ability of potential clients to find a replacement from other suppliers. Seeking the protection of an intellectual property locally is the only way to determine the extent to which its owners can prevent third parties from carrying out identical or similar activities that could infringe on their property.
In this regard, Intellectual Property is a relevant and strategic aspect to consider regarding a company’s international activities, being essential to adopt measures that safeguard such intangible assets according to the legal frameworks of the countries where the company chooses to operate.