CSIS Unveils Report Highlighting Intellectual Property's Role in U.S. National Security Strategy

The United States is experiencing a pivotal transformation in how economic policy aligns with national security objectives. As the new administration assumes office, it faces a unique opportunity to craft a coherent economic strategy that addresses contemporary global challenges while securing American leadership in technology and innovation for the long term.

Central to this strategy is the incorporation of intellectual property (IP) rights, a fundamental yet frequently underappreciated element of both innovation and national security policy. A robust and predictable IP system—where rights are clearly defined and effectively enforced—serves as a catalyst for investment in innovation, supports small businesses, and drives technological advancement.

Secure IP protections empower American workers and entrepreneurs to innovate boldly, fostering the development of new technologies, the creation of businesses, and the generation of jobs. This dynamic harnesses the entrepreneurial spirit that has historically propelled U.S. economic growth.

However, the report highlights that decades of inconsistent policies and weakened IP protections have eroded the U.S. framework. These vulnerabilities have been exploited by adversaries, challenging American leadership in innovation and economic strength.

Reestablishing strong IP protections and embedding them within a broader economic and security strategy is essential. Doing so will bolster U.S. innovation capabilities, secure economic prosperity, and reinforce national security over the long term.

To mark the release of this report, CSIS LeadershIP and Renewing American Innovation hosted a virtual event on Friday, March 28, at 2:00 PM ET. The discussion convened key stakeholders to explore how IP policy can sustain U.S. technological leadership and advance economic security.

The event was moderated by Kirti Gupta, CSIS Senior Adviser and Executive Director of LeadershIP. Panelists included Andrei Iancu, CSIS Senior Adviser and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; Walter G. Copan, CSIS Senior Adviser and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); and Judge Paul Michel (Ret.), former Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

This collaborative effort underscores the critical intersection of IP rights, economic policy, and national security, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to protect and promote American innovation in a competitive global environment.