Top 5: Countries in IP Rights Protection
Posted on Fri, Jan 27, 2012
The International Property Rights Index is a measurement of property rights around the world. The annual report presents trends and changes in levels of physical and intellectual property protection in 129 countries. While it is certainly not the only international measurement of property rights quality, it is among the most inclusive and comprehensive.
One of the main measurements of the index is intellectual property rights protection, or IPR. The IPR score is based on a survey of experts who work in or with the country at hand. Scores are placed on a 10 point scale. The three components of IPR include "Protection of Intellectual Property Rights," "Patent Protection," and "Copyright Piracy."
In most cases where two countries are tied for their rank, we used the overall IPRI score to split the rank. The IPRI score encompasses all forms of property protection, as well as the general legal and political environment.
1 & 2. Finland & Sweden - 8.5
There was simply no breaking up the Scandinavian nieghbors. They were tied for first in IPR, and tied for first in IPRI. Finland has held the IPRI crown for five straight years (each year that the Index has existed), but this year shares the top spot with Sweden. To create the tie, Sweden maintained its IPRI score, while Finland's fell slightly.
3. United States - 8.4
The U.S. actually ranks relatively low on overall IPRI, 18th in the world in 2011. However, that is largely due to physical property rights protection. Physical property rights protection declined dramatically between 2010 and 2011, an uncharacteristic change for any country near the top of the list. Intellectual Property, on the other hand, has consistenly been among the world's best since the Index was launched in 2007.
4. Singapore - 8.3
Singapore is one of two Asian countries in the top twenty of IPR along with Hong Kong. In 2011, Singapore achieved its highest-ever IPR score. This increase is largely based on the "Copyright Piracy" component, which continues to grow dramatically.
5. Switzerland - 8.3
Like its foreign policy, Switzerland's IPR score has remained unchanged for years. In fact, none of the components have changed much in the five years of the Index, making it one of the most consistent of the top-ranked countries.
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