IP Index Sees Scores Decrease in Eight EU Member States

By Editorial Team

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) released its 2026 International IP Index, highlighting concerning trends about the erosion of IP leadership in high-performing economies. The report revealed that scores in eight EU Member States have declined this year, while the top ten rankings remained unchanged from 2025. The United States maintained its top position with a score of 95.15%, only slightly lower than last year's 95.17%.

EU Member States with Decreased Scores:

• France: 93.51% (2025) to 93.11% (2026)
• Germany: 92.42% (2025) to 92.02% (2026)
• Sweden: 92.09% (2025) to 91.72% (2026)
• Netherlands: 91.26% (2025) to 90.89% (2026)
• Ireland: 89.51% (2025) to 89.13% (2026)
• Spain: 86.74% (2025) to 86.34% (2026)
• Italy: 84.34% (2025) to 83.96% (2026)
• Hungary: 77.74% (2025) to 77.36% (2026)

During a webinar promoting the Index launch, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director John Squires expressed concern over the deteriorating IP frameworks in advanced economies, emphasizing the need to maintain high global standards for innovation protection. Squires criticized the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) for potentially weakening IP rights, urging WIPO to uphold its core mission of promoting IP protection.

The report also highlighted recent EU policy changes that have weakened IP protections, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. The EU introduced legislative changes in December 2025 that impacted patent rights, including expanding the Bolar exemption to cover commercial activities.

While some economies showed improvement in their IP frameworks, the report noted that leading economies may be accepting weaker IP standards. China, for instance, maintained its position at #25 with a score of 54.58%, facing challenges in patent enforcement and other areas.

Overall, the 2026 IP Index underscores the importance of robust IP protection to drive innovation, investment, and technological leadership globally.