US, China, Singapore, Russia, Colombia, Malaysia, Philippines, Ukraine and Viet Nam saw double digit increases in 2010 intellectual property filings over previous year pointing to continuing innovation despite the global economic crisis, according Report, “World Intellectual Property Indicators – 2011 Edition,” from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on December 20, 2011. Innovation Despite Economic Downturn: The Report highlights the strong rebound in IP filings after a slump in 2009, with a 7.2 per cent growth in patent applications in 2010 – the highest growth rate in five years – compared to a 3.6 per cent decline the previous year. (Read:-“Intellectual Property Royalties & License Fees Soar” -http://diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/intellectual-property-royalties-license-fees-soar-by-ambassador-mo/41776). WIPO Director-General Francis Gurry noted that the increase in IP filings shows that companies across the globe have continued to innovate despite the difficult economic conditions. “This can help to create new jobs and generate prosperity once macroeconomic stability is restored. However, if economic conditions were to deteriorate sharply in the short term – as happened in 2009 – companies might be forced to curtail or abandon their investments in innovation, stifling an essential source of growth.” Information Communications & Technologies: Computer technology, electrical machinery, audio-visual technology and medical technology accounted for the largest shares of patent filings worldwide. However, the importance of different technology fields varied substantially across countries. Information communications and technologies (ICTs) made up the largest share of filings in Finland and Sweden, while pharmaceuticals were more prominent in Belgium, India and Switzerland. China & US Lead: China and the US accounted for the greatest share of IP filings, with 7.2 per cent, while in Europe IP growth in IP filings in France, Germany and the United Kingdom exceeded the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of the countries. The US patent office saw 7.5 per cent growth in 2010 after two years of near-zero growth, and received the largest total number of applications, while the patent office of China overtook Japan to become the second largest recipient of patent applications in 2010. This mirrored wider economic trends as China overtook Japan to become the second largest economy in the world in 2010, as measured by GDP. Link to Report - www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/wipi/ By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX "International Financial Crisis" Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/international-financial-crisis