How Italy successfully improved its approach to intellectual property rights protection

Italy-FlagDespite current difficulties, Italy remains the 8th largest economy in the world with an economic value of 2.2 trillion USD (IMF, WEF). This global standing is based on the creative ability and production of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs account for 65% of GDP and 99.9% of all enterprises, of which 94.4% are micro organizations with an average number of employees of 3.9 (ISTAT).

What do these micro- or small businesses manufacture? Their success is based on the “Made-in-Italy brand”, products that relate to the Italian way of life which are associated with the benchmark for top-tier creativity, quality, originality, and singularity. In a nutshell, it defines everything that has to do with the good life and style, such as gastronomy, product design, cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and fashion. It also refers to all the products of fine artisanship and craftsmanship, including precision engineering, chemical, and pharmaceutical production. In essence, products that are appreciated and recognized throughout the world for their quality and uniqueness.

WIPO