Commitment of the Government of Spain to Intellectual and Industrial Property rights as mechanisms to stimulate creation, innovation, and technological and scientific development

On April 20, 2021, the Council of Ministers have approved an Institutional Declaration to commemorate the World Intellectual-Industrial Property Day that is celebrated on April 26. This has been an initiative of the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO) and the General Directorate of Cultural Industries, Intellectual Property and Cooperation and a proposal from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism along with the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation and the Ministry of Science and Innovation.

On World Intellectual Property Day, thus declared by the World Organization for Intellectual Property (WIPO), the Government of Spain expresses its commitment to the use and protection of Intellectual Property rights and Industrial as mechanisms to stimulate creation, innovation, and technological and scientific development.

From the highest technology to artistic expressions, these creations are subject to protection through rights such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs, which clearly and directly contribute to economic progress and technological, scientific, cultural, and artistic development in Spain. These developments create a virtuous circle that accelerates structural changes in our ways of life.

According to data from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO), companies that make intensive use of Intellectual and Industrial property rights account for 40% of Spain's GDP and 27% of jobs. In addition, those companies have better salaries and more investment in R & D & I than the average, so they are essential for the transformation of the Spanish economic model towards a more sustainable, inclusive and intelligent economy.

Thus, an intensive use of Intellectual and Industrial Property rights by companies and administrations in our country means moving towards a more sustainable and competitive business model, which contributes to positioning Spain in the world as a benchmark in creative industries.

More information