Facts & Research

The core copyright industries in the United States—whose primary purposes are to create, produce, distribute or exhibit copyright materials—add significant value to the country’s overall GDP. Copyright industries contribute an increasing number of high-paying jobs, real economic growth and substantial foreign sales and exports, many of which surpass other industry sectors.

Key Statistics

• In 2013, the value added by the core copyright industries to U.S. GDP reached more than one trillion dollars and accounted for over 6% of the U.S. economy.
• These industries also employed nearly 5.5 million workers in 2013, accounting for over 4% of the entire U.S. workforce, and 4.8% of total private employment in the U.S.
• The core copyright industries grew at a rate more than 70% greater than the remainder of the U.S. economy.
• Sales of select U.S. copyright products in overseas markets amounted to $156.3 billion in 2013, a significant increase over previous years.

Source: Stephen E. Siwek, International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA)