Reports
Original research and insights from CIPU
Accessible research and data.
CIPU's reports explore how intellectual property influences innovation, education, entrepreneurship and economic growth. Through original research, surveys and data analysis, we provide insights that help organizations, educators, policymakers and creators better understand the role of IP in today's economy.
All reports are available as free PDF downloads.
Featured Report
98% or More of the Market Cap of Apple, Costco and MasterCard is Attributed to IP-Related “Intangibles”
A recent study by the Center for Intellectual Property Understanding (CIPU) reveals that intangible assets—such as patents, trademarks, copyrights and data—now account for a staggering majority of the market capitalization for leading S&P 500 companies.
Key findings
The overall intangible asset market value of the S&P 500 has grown from 13% in 1975 to 92% today.
Apple, Nvidia and Broadcom each reach 98% IAMV, while MasterCard reaches 100%.
Industries rely on intangibles differently; Eli Lilly derives 99% of its market value from IP-related assets.
Current accounting practices often fail to reflect brands, patents, trade secrets and customer data.
Reports
Manager and Entrepreneur IP Experience: The Limitations of On-the-Job Learning
Research based on interviews with managers and entrepreneurs about learning intellectual property in business.
Key findings
Most professionals first encounter IP on the job.
STEAM graduates face a steep learning curve.
Current IP resources are often too legal-focused.
Formal IP education better prepares professionals.
Intellectual Property Principles: What the IP Community Regards as Important
A survey of the IP community exploring attitudes toward intellectual property and its role in society.
Key findings
88% strongly agree creative works have property value.
96% agree IP benefits owners and society.
Only 71% strongly agree patents positively impact innovation.
Support for copyright benefits is lower than expected.
Assessing Intellectual Property Engagement at the Largest U.S. University Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programs
Study of entrepreneurship and innovation programs at major U.S. universities.
Key findings
Innovation rankings do not always equal entrepreneurial culture.
Strong programs feature central hubs and mentoring.
Broader support for patent, trademark and copyright filings is recommended.
To Patent or Not to Patent? Understanding the Open-Source Option for Businesses
Explores patenting versus open-source strategies for software businesses.
Key findings
Businesses should decide early between patents and open source.
The two approaches can successfully coexist.
Business model should drive the decision.
Better software patent eligibility is needed.
IP Education at Business Schools: An Evolving Landscape
Review of intellectual property education at leading MBA programs.
Key findings
Top 20 schools offer at least 44 IP courses.
No business school requires IP education.
Harvard offers six courses.
Many educators do not believe IP should only be taught by lawyers.
The State of IP Education Worldwide: Seven Leading Nations
Comparison of intellectual property education across seven countries.
Key findings
Few countries have K–12 IP curricula.
Japan and China occasionally require IP education.
China is expanding IP education the fastest.
The U.S. and U.K. remain leaders.
Awareness and Attitudes: A Summary of Research and Data
Summary of research examining public awareness and attitudes toward intellectual property.
Key findings
31% accepted buying counterfeits when no legal alternative existed.
Many consumers misunderstand IP.
There is a perception that IP only benefits large corporations.
Educators favor more IP education.
