WIPO Pulse 2023 Reveals Global Attitudes and Awareness of Intellectual Property Rights

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published the key findings of its 2023 WIPO Pulse survey, the first global study to longitudinally assess public attitudes toward intellectual property (IP). Conducted online among 25,000 respondents aged 18 to 65 across 50 countries, the survey provides detailed insights into how people perceive IP’s role in everyday life, creativity, innovation, and consumer decision-making.

The survey results indicate that copyright commands the highest awareness index globally, surpassing trademarks, geographical indications, patents, and designs. Notably, consumers in Eastern European countries exhibit the highest awareness scores for patents, copyright, and geographical indications compared to other regions. Meanwhile, Latin American, Caribbean, and African respondents share the highest awareness levels specifically for geographical indications.

Regarding trademarks and designs, African and Latin American and Caribbean consumers demonstrate strong awareness and positive perceptions. The attribute “ensures fair income” ranks among the top two attributes for four types of IP rights surveyed, excluding trademarks, which were not included in that particular question.

Patented products are primarily associated with trustworthiness and the capacity to provide fair income to inventors. Across all IP categories, consumers in Asia-Pacific states most strongly agree that patented products are their “first choice when buying products,” a sentiment that surpasses that of other regions. African consumers also recognize the importance of trademarks and copyright in their purchasing decisions.

The survey highlights the personal impact of innovation, with respondents worldwide identifying digital communications, food and nutrition, computer technology, and household appliances as areas where innovation delivers the greatest benefits. Consumers from Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, and Africa perceive more benefits from innovations than those from other regions.

On the economic front, a majority of global respondents agree that IP rights contribute positively to their economies while acknowledging some challenges. IP is viewed as a tool that fosters economic opportunities and social development by supporting inventors, creators, and local communities in earning livelihoods through their work. It also helps guarantee high-quality products, supports the growth of smaller businesses—particularly those protecting and promoting local farmers’ products—and creates employment opportunities with better wages.

The survey methodology involved national representatives aged 18 to 65 from 50 selected countries, with 500 respondents per country. This extensive dataset enables a nuanced understanding of global IP perceptions and their implications for policy and business strategies.

WIPO Pulse 2023 thus provides valuable knowledge for policymakers, businesses, and IP stakeholders seeking to understand the evolving role of intellectual property in modern society and its influence on consumer behavior and economic development.