New Report: Copyright Contributes $1 Trillion to US Economy

Tuesday, 19 November 2013 | Andi Sporkin

Infographic: How US Copyright Industries Lead the Economy in Value Added to GDP, Economic Growth, Good Jobs, Foreign Sales And Exports

Washington, DC — For the first time, the core copyright industries added over $1 trillion in value in a single year to the US economy, accounting for almost 6.5% of the total US GDP, according to a new study released today by the International Intellectual Property Alliance (R) (IIPA (R)).

AAP is a member organization of IIPA.

The study tracks the economic impact and contributions of US industries creating, producing, distributing, broadcasting or exhibiting copyright materials including computer software, videogames, books, journals, newspapers, periodicals, motion pictures, music and radio and television programming. In other key findings for 2012, the study concluded that the core copyright industries:

• Employed nearly 5.4 million US workers — nearly 5% of the total private employment sector — with jobs paying an average of 33% more than the rest of the workforce

• Grew at an aggregate annual rate of 4.7%, more than twice the rate of growth for the US economy

• Accounted for $142 billion in foreign sales and exports, far more than sectors such as aerospace, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals and medicines

"This study represents a milestone as the US copyright industries now contribute more than $1 trillion value added to the US GDP and 5.4 million direct jobs," said Steven J. Metalitz, IIPA. "In order to preserve and enhance jobs, exports and economic contributions, it is critical that we have strong legal protections for US creativity and innovation in the US and abroad."

The study, Copyright Industries in the US Economy: The 2013 Report, was prepared by Stephen E. Siwek of Economists Incorporated for the IIPA and updates 13 previous studies. It is based on data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and other government agencies and it demonstrates the vibrancy of copyright and creativity as an engine for growth for the US economy.

"To foster continued growth of this dynamic sector, we need strong and modern copyright laws that take into account changes in technology and the continuing harm caused by copyright piracy, especially as legitimate digital distributors continue to emerge. Vigorous enforcement of those laws is also critical to ongoing efforts to create and preserve good US jobs, reduce persistent trade deficits and foster durable economic growth,” Metalitz said.

In reaction to the study, Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional Creative Rights Caucus, said, "This study demonstrates that no only do US copyright industries develop the creative works that inspire and entertain so many, they also provide high-paying jobs and spur economic activity, consistently contributing to a trade surplus and adding substantial value to our GDP. This is why we must preserve and protect the works of our creative industry, so they can continue to drive economic growth and innovation with a uniquely American product."

Matt Loeb, International President of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE) said, "This report makes it crystal clear that workers in the creative industries make a huge contribution to America's economy. It also underscores the urgent need to do more to build, strengthen and protect employment in this dynamic part of our nation's economy."

The report’s key findings:




• Copyright Industries Employ Millions of Workers in Good Paying Jobs










About the IIPA
The IIPA is a private sector coalition, formed in 1984, of trade associations representing US copyright-based industries working to improve international protection and enforcement of copyrighted materials and open foreign markets closed by piracy and other market access barriers. IIPA's seven member associations represent over 3200 US companies producing and distributing materials protected by copyright laws throughout the world: all types of computer software, including operating systems, systems software such as databases and security packages, business applications, and consumer applications such as games, personal finance, and reference software, free software, open source software, and software as a service, entertainment software including interactive games for videogame consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the Internet, and educational software; motion pictures, television programming, DVDs and home video and digital representations of audiovisual works; music, records, CDs, and audiocassettes; and fiction and non-fiction books, education instructional and assessment materials, and professional and scholarly journals, databases and software in all formats. Members of the IIPA include the Association of American Publishers, BSA | The Software Alliance, Entertainment Software Association, Independent Film & Television Alliance, Motion Picture Association of America, National Music Publishers' Association and Recording Industry Association of America.

The "total" copyright industries include not only the core copyright but also the partial copyright, non-dedicated support and interdependent industries. "Partial" copyright industries are industries in which only some aspect or portion of the products that they create they can quality for copyright protection. These industries range from fabric to jewelry to furniture to toys and games.

"Non-dedicated support" industries include industries that distribute both copyright and non-copyright protected materials to business and consumers. Examples here include transportation services, telecommunications and wholesale and retail trade. As in past studies, only a portion of the total value added by these industries is considered to be part of the copyright industries.

"Interdependent" industries include those that produce, manufacture and sell equipment whose function is primarily to facilitate the creation, production or use of works of copyrighted matter. These industries include manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of TV sets, personal computers, and other devices, and usage dependent products including blank recording material and certain categories of paper.

Steven Metalitz, Michael Schlesinger, Eric Schwartz, Amanda Wilson Denton
(202) 355-7900