Intellectual property (IP) is not just a legal tool for protecting intangible assets: it is a structural economic driver for Europe. The latest joint report by the European Union Intellectual Property Office and the European Patent Office confirms that IP-intensive sectors account for a significant portion of the continent’s wealth creation, skilled employment, exports, and technological investment.
The study analyzes the 2021–2023 period and identifies 361 industries that are intensive in intellectual property rights, accounting for nearly 48% of the EU’s GDP, more than 30% of employment, and nearly 80% of European foreign trade. In addition, these industries attract more than 88% of private equity and venture capital investments in the EU directed toward IP-intensive startups.
These data not only provide macroeconomic evidence. They also offer a strategic conclusion for businesses: protecting innovation directly translates into competitiveness, financing, and growth.
Below, we analyze the report’s main findings and their practical implications for technology, industrial, and creative companies.
What are intellectual property-intensive industries?
Industries are considered IP-intensive if they have a higher-than-average number of patents, trademarks, designs, or other intellectual property rights per employee compared to other industries that use intellectual property rights.
In simple terms:
An industry is considered intellectual property-intensive in the EU if, for at least one of the intellectual property rights under consideration, the number of such rights per employee exceeds the average for all EU industries that use that same intellectual property right.
These industries range from pharmaceuticals and electronics to software, fashion, food products with geographical indications, and creative services.
The report's premise is clear: when IP is used systematically, its economic impact is multiplied.
Key figures illustrating the economic impact of IP
The study provides compelling indicators regarding IP-intensive industries:
- They accounted for 30.6% of total employment in the EU (more than 65 million workers).
- 47.9% of European GDP was generated by these industries (7.7 trillion euros).
- 76.4% of imports and 78.3% of exports, generating a trade surplus of 108,000 million euros, which helps keep the EU's overall foreign trade in balance.
- A wage premium of 40.9%, significantly higher than in other non-IP-intensive sectors.
- 88% of venture capital and private equity investment went to startups operating in IP-intensive sectors.
These figures demonstrate a direct correlation between the protection of intellectual property and value creation. These are not marginal sectors or technological niches, but rather the backbone of the European economy.
Patents, Trademarks, Designs, and Copyright: How Each Right Contributes
The financial contribution varies depending on the type of right involved. The report breaks down the data by sector. Below, in addition to companies specializing in the leasing of intellectual property, are some examples by type of industrial property right.
Patent-intensive industries
- Manufacturing of hand-held power tools.
- Manufacturing of telecommunications equipment.
- Manufacturing of household appliances.
- Research and experimental development in biotechnology.
- Further experimental research and development in the natural and technical sciences.
Brand-intensive industries
- Manufacture of other transport equipment (n.e.c., not elsewhere classified), such as handcarts
- Production of other non-distilled beverages resulting from fermentation, such as vermouth.
- Collective Investment Schemes, Funds, and Similar Financial Institutions
- Activities of Holding Companies
- Crude Oil Extraction
- Research and experimental development in biotechnology.
Industries that rely heavily on industrial design
- Manufacture of other transportation equipment (n.e.c.), such as handcarts; wholesale trade in furniture, carpets, and lighting fixtures.
- Manufacturing of electric lighting equipment.
- Manufacture of jewelry and similar items.
- Wholesale trade intermediation activities in furniture, household goods, and hardware
Copyright-intensive industries
- Printing, prepress, and media preparation.
- Playback of recorded media.
- Retail sale of books, newspapers, and stationery.
- Retail sales of music and video recordings.
- Video games.
Industries that rely heavily on Geographical Indications
- Dairy Products
- Spirits
- Wine
- Beer
Crop-intensive industries
- Wholesale trade in flowers and plants.
- Research and experimental development in biotechnology.
- Wholesale trade in grains, raw tobacco, seeds, and animal feed.
- Other research and experimental developments in the natural and technical sciences.
Intellectual Property and Quality Employment
One of the most significant findings of the report is the wage premium.
Workers in IP-intensive sectors earn, on average, 40.9% more than those in non-IP-intensive sectors.
This fact has clear implications:
- higher professional qualifications
- more stable jobs
- increased productivity
- more investment in talent
IP not only generates business wealth, but also higher-quality, more specialized jobs.
Exports and Global Value Chains
Sectors that rely heavily on intellectual property rights are significantly more international.
According to the report:
- Three out of every four euros exported by the EU come from these sectors
- generate a trade surplus
- are more integrated into global value chains
This is because protected innovation facilitates:
- technological differentiation
- barriers to entry
- international licenses
- scalability of business models
IP as a Signal to Investors: Venture Capital and Startups
One of the most innovative sections of the study analyzes the relationship between PI intensity and business funding.
The conclusion is clear: investors view intellectual property as a sign of quality and growth potential.
More than 88% of European venture capital and private equity investment goes to startups in IP-intensive sectors.
The reasons are clear:
- lower risk of copying
- greater market exclusivity
- transferable or licensable assets
- Highest valuation in investment rounds
- protection against global competitors
For tech, deep tech, or biotech startups, having a solid patent and trademark strategy can be crucial for securing funding.
Practical Implications for Innovative Companies
Beyond the macroeconomic figures, the report's message is practical:
Intellectual property must be integrated into business strategy from the very beginning.
Some key recommendations:
1. Set up protection before climbing
Registering patents, trademarks, or designs before expanding into new markets helps avoid risks and strengthens one's negotiating position.
2. Build a cohesive portfolio
It is not a matter of accumulating rights, but rather of aligning them through a protection strategy that includes:
- technology
- markets
- business model
- international strategy
3. Using IP as a financial asset
Rights may:
- attract investment
- issue licenses
- allow joint ventures
- improve ratings
4. Scope of Protection
European companies compete globally. Protection must cover the main target markets.
5. Manage IP Strategically
IP is not an administrative procedure, but a tool for gaining a competitive advantage.
Intellectual Property as a Driver of European Competitiveness
The report by the EUIPO and the EPO confirms what business practice has been demonstrating for years: the knowledge economy is built on protected intangible assets.
Nearly half of Europe's GDP depends on sectors where patents, trademarks, designs, and copyrights are essential. These industries generate more skilled jobs, pay higher wages, export more, and attract greater investment.
For companies, the conclusion is clear: protecting innovation is not just a legal issue, but a strategic decision for growth.
At Elzaburu, we support technology, industrial, and creative companies in protecting, managing, and maximizing the value of their intangible assets, helping them transform intellectual property into a sustainable competitive advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an intellectual property-intensive industry?
It is a company that registers more patents, trademarks, designs, or other intellectual property rights per employee than the average, indicating that its operations rely heavily on protected innovation.
How much do these industries contribute to the European economy?
They account for about 48% of GDP and more than 30% of total employment in the European Union.
Why does IP attract investment?
Because it reduces competitive risk, protects exclusivity, and increases company valuations, which makes it attractive to venture capital funds.
Which sectors rely most on intellectual property?
Pharmaceuticals, technology, software, fashion, automotive, food products with geographical indications, and creative services, among others.
When should a company protect its innovation?
As soon as possible, preferably before launching products or seeking financing. Depending on the nature of the registration, launching a product may result in the loss of the novelty requirement, making it impossible to obtain subsequent protection—for example, through a patent.
David Hidalgo, Associate and European Patent Attorney in the Patent Department at Elzaburu.