2026 U.S. Chamber International IP Index Highlights Diverging Global Trends in Intellectual Property Protection

The 2026 U.S. Chamber International IP Index presents a comprehensive evaluation of intellectual property (IP) protection across 55 economies, representing over 90% of global GDP. Utilizing 53 indicators, the Index assesses the robustness of IP systems and reveals a concerning trend: some of the world’s most advanced economies are diminishing their IP protections, while emerging markets are making deliberate strides to strengthen theirs.

Among the notable findings, eight European Union member states experienced declines in their IP scores. These reductions are primarily attributed to policy changes that weaken IP protection and enforcement frameworks. Such developments are particularly troubling as Europe aims to establish itself as a global hub for life sciences innovation, a sector heavily reliant on strong IP rights to attract investment.

The United States faces similar challenges. New drug pricing policies and broad interpretations of “march-in” rights threaten to undermine the country’s leading biomedical innovation ecosystem. These shifts risk setting a precedent that could normalize weaker IP protections globally, potentially eroding the incentives that drive research and development.

Conversely, several emerging and middle-income economies have recorded significant improvements in their IP environments. The United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, Malaysia, and Brunei stand out with the largest score increases in the 2026 Index. These gains reflect intentional reforms aimed at modernizing IP legislation, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and aligning with key international agreements.

Strong IP systems are fundamental to fostering trusted trade relationships. They provide businesses with the confidence to expand into new markets and collaborate across borders, thereby fueling economic growth and competitiveness. In the United States, IP-intensive sectors account for 31% of services exports and contribute to a $1.1 trillion surplus in services trade, highlighting the integral role of innovation in cross-border commerce.

Despite these benefits, many U.S. trading partners have yet to fully implement IP commitments made under major agreements such as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the U.S.–China Phase One Agreement. This implementation gap creates a disconnect between the high IP standards promised in treaties and the practical realities businesses face, complicating trade and investment decisions.

The Index underscores that economies treating IP as a strategic asset—and supporting it with coherent policies—are better positioned to lead future waves of innovation and creativity. In contrast, those that weaken IP protections risk damaging their innovation ecosystems, undermining trade relationships, and sacrificing long-term economic competitiveness.

Kelly Anderson, vice president of international policy at the U.S. Chamber’s Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC), oversees global advocacy efforts and policy engagement with multilateral organizations and developed economies. Her insights emphasize the critical need for policymakers worldwide to uphold strong IP rights amid evolving global dynamics.

The 2026 U.S. Chamber International IP Index thus serves as a vital barometer for stakeholders across industries and governments, highlighting where progress is being made and where urgent action is required to sustain innovation-driven growth in the global economy.