“Copyright Industries in the U.S. Economy: The 2011 Report,” written by Stephen Siwek and published by the International Intellectual Property Association, was released on November 2 at an event sponsored by the Congressional Anti-Piracy Caucus. The report finds that U.S. industries “reliant on copyright protection” in 2010 produced 6.4% of the nation’s GDP, employed nearly 5% of the private sector workforce, paid wages 27% higher than those in other industries, and exported or sold abroad goods valued at $134 billion.
This is the 13th IIPA study on the contribution of copyright industries in the U.S., and the fourth that uses a WIPO methodology for measuring the contribution.
A similar study by the Computer and Communications Industry Association published last July used the WIPO methodology to measure the economic impact of “U.S. industries that rely on fair use” (including software developers, consumer electronics firms, and internet service providers). This report found that the fair use industries accounted for 17% of GDP, grew at a faster pace than the rest of the economy, employed about one in eight workers in the U.S., and exported $266 billion worth of goods.
International Intellectual Property Association Documents:
- Full Report: “Copyright Industries in the U.S. Economy.” 2011.
- Press Release: “IIPA’s New Study – Copyright Industries Remain Engine of Growth for U.S. Economy.” November 2, 2o11
Computer and Communications Industry Association:
- Full Report: “Fair Use in the U.S. Economy.” 2011.
- Press Release. “CCIA To Release 2011 Study Calculating Economic Value of Fair Use.” July 8, 2011.
