Stefanie Shank

Intellectual property (IP) has long been pivotal in fostering innovation and driving economic growth in the United States. The latest report from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) underscores the fundamental nature of IP-intensive industries as a cornerstone of the nation’s workforce, drawing attention to the need to protect these organizations and their workers.

This report’s central revelation is that IP-intensive industries account for 33% of all jobs in the United States. It delves into the findings, providing insights into these industries’ economic impact, employment trends, job characteristics, and worker demographics. In doing so, it sheds light on the profound role IP plays in shaping the U.S. economy and the lives of countless Americans.

Overview of the USPTO Report

IP-intensive industries are economic giants in the United States, propelling innovation and making substantial contributions to economic growth. The recent USPTO report reveals that these industries collectively represented nearly 41% of the nation’s GDP in 2019, amounting to a staggering $7.8 trillion.

These industries demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth from 2014 to 2019, with their GDP share increasing by around 12%. This surge in growth surpassed the overall increase in GDP during the same period, underscoring the dynamic nature of these sectors and their pivotal role in advancing economic prosperity.

The economic impact of IP-intensive industries transcends the realm of financial statistics. It translates into livelihoods, job stability, and prosperity for millions of Americans. To grasp their importance, it’s essential to explore the nature of employment within these industries and how it contrasts with other sectors in the U.S. economy.

Economic Impact of IP-Intensive Industries

Among reported organizations, trademark-intensive industries led the way, contributing significantly to this economic boon. Utility patent–intensive and design patent–intensive industries followed closely behind, each making substantial contributions to the nation’s economic landscape. Even smaller in scale, copyright-intensive industries added significantly to the overall economic pie.

These industries demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth from 2014 to 2019, with their GDP share increasing by around 12%. Notably, copyright-focused industries outperformed the rest, boasting a remarkable 4.2% growth rate. This surge in growth surpassed the overall increase in GDP during the same period, highlighting these sectors’ dynamic and pivotal role in advancing the nation’s economic prosperity.

Employment in IP-Intensive Industries

Beyond their economic contributions, IP-intensive industries are crucial for employment in the United States. In 2019, these industries directly provided jobs for 33% of all U.S. workers, totaling a remarkable 47.2 million positions. This substantial workforce participation underscores their significance in shaping the nation’s job landscape.

Examining employment trends over time, IP-intensive industries have displayed resilience and growth. Despite facing challenges, they have consistently contributed to job creation. Comparatively, employment in IP-intensive industries has outpaced the growth observed in non-IP-intensive sectors, underlining their role as employment generators.

Characteristics of Jobs in IP-Intensive Industries

Jobs within IP-intensive industries offer unique characteristics that set them apart. Workers in these industries earn an “earnings premium” compared to their counterparts in non-IP-intensive sectors. In 2019, the average weekly earnings for workers in IP-intensive industries were 60% higher than those in other industries. This premium showcases the economic advantages that employment in these sectors provides.

Beyond higher earnings, workers in IP-intensive industries also benefit from fringe benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. These additional perks contribute to the overall compensation package, making jobs in these industries even more attractive.

Worker Characteristics

The workforce in IP-intensive industries reflects a diverse demographic composition. Gender representation varies, with women making up a slightly smaller share in these industries than in non-IP-intensive sectors. Racial diversity also exhibits variations, with Asians and Whites being relatively well-represented in IP-intensive industries. Veterans constitute a larger percentage of the workforce in these industries compared to non-IP-intensive sectors.

Educational attainment is a distinguishing factor, with a higher share of workers in IP-intensive industries having completed at least a four-year undergraduate program. This disparity highlights the importance of education in securing employment in these sectors.

These worker characteristics provide insights into the diverse and dynamic nature of the labor force within IP-intensive industries, contributing to their vitality and significance in the U.S. economy.

Conclusion

The USPTO report illuminates the paramount role of IP-intensive industries as pillars of the U.S. economy. These industries drive economic growth, contributing nearly 41% of the GDP and directly supporting 33% of all U.S. jobs, benefiting millions of workers. Their remarkable resilience and consistent growth over the years underscore their dynamic nature and importance in fostering prosperity.

Jobs in IP-intensive industries come with an earnings premium and valuable fringe benefits, elevating their significance in the labor market. The workforce within these sectors reflects a diverse composition, with varying levels of educational attainment, gender representation, racial diversity, and a notable presence of veterans.

Ultimately, the impact of IP-intensive industries extends far beyond statistics; it shapes the livelihoods and aspirations of countless Americans, reaffirming their indispensable role in propelling the nation’s economic progress and innovation landscape.

Stefanie Shank. Having spent her career in various capacities and industries under the “high tech” umbrella, Stefanie is passionate about the trends, challenges, solutions, and stories of existing and emerging technologies. A storyteller at heart, she considers herself one of the lucky ones: someone who gets to make a living doing what she loves. Stefanie is a regular writer at Bora.