A study published on 8 February 2021 by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) shows that companies that own at least one patent, design or trademark generate on average 20% more turnover per employee than those without any intellectual property rights (IPR). The same study finds that companies with IPRs pay on average 19% more than those without.
“The stronger your IPR portfolio, the better your business performs. And companies with IPRs don’t just generate more revenue, their employees benefit too,” says Antonio Campinos, EPO President.
Moreover, SMEs that combine different types of securities generate an even higher revenue per employee. SMEs that hold both patents and trademarks generate 75% more revenue per employee. SMEs that own both patents, trademarks and designs generate almost twice as much revenue per employee (98%) compared to companies that do not own any of these titles.
The study also shows that companies holding patents, trademarks or designs are more strongly represented in the information and communication, manufacturing and other service activities, and scientific and technical activities sectors.