Intellectual property drives trillions in economic value

Intellectual property (IP) remains a critical driver of economic value. Research from the USPTO indicates that IP-reliant industries generated approximately $11.4 trillion, representing 44 percent of the non-governmental sector's GDP in 2024. Within this, trademark-dependent industries accounted for $9.5 trillion, design patent industries contributed $6.8 trillion, and utility patent industries contributed $5.6 trillion.

Effective IP management requires comprehensive protection strategies, including registration, contracts, confidentiality measures, and active monitoring for infringement. Because IP is intangible, it requires specific handling compared to physical assets like real estate to ensure it remains a core competitive advantage.

In the context of corporate insolvency, such as under India's Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016, IP assets must be treated as integral parts of the insolvency estate. Resolution professionals are tasked with identifying, preserving, and assessing the commercial significance of patents, trademarks, and trade secrets to maximize value during resolution or liquidation processes.