Jaci McDole
Senior Director, Copyright and Creativity, Global Innovation Policy Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Published
May 10, 2024
From sustainability to inclusivity and beyond, businesses supported by intellectual property (IP) rights drive solutions to a wide array of global challenges. In recognition of the recent World IP Day, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce celebrates the role of IP in academia, innovation, and the creative community through five case studies highlighting innovators and creators.
Read their "IP Stories," which share their experiences concerning the impact of IP on their businesses.
IP and the American Dream
Michael Maponga’s family moved to the United States to chase the American Dream, but he longed for some connection to his cultural stories. Now, this creator and entrepreneur brings Pan-African stories to the world, connecting communities and cultures across borders. Through the IP generated via Maponga Studios and AfroLandTV, Michael continues developing a creative ecosystem that meets the needs of marginalized and underserved communities. He is proof that the American Dream is powered by IP.
“It’s absolutely critical to control IP because this gives the underserved an opportunity to create valuable assets, generational wealth.” – Michael Maponga
IP Enables the Disabled
After a local wheelchair user was struck by traffic while crossing the street, Dr. Helen Brown was prompted to develop solutions that make the world safer and more accessible for disabled persons. Her organization, Mobility Unlimited Technology Worldwide, works alongside members of the disabled community, designing IP-enabled innovations and solutions by and for disabled persons.
“Without IP rights, you lack validation. I’ve had a lot of great successes, but if I didn’t have my IP, I wouldn’t be able to accelerate in my innovation at all.” – Dr. Helen Brown
Read Mobility Unlimited Technology Worldwide's story.
IP Empowers Inclusivity
Multi-talented creator Mann Robinson believes, “Inclusion without diversity is confusion.” That’s why his goal is to make movies that everyone can watch by developing IP in stories and characters that reach across sociocultural divides. From original works to licensing a wide variety of elements necessary for films and merchandising, IP is an integral part of Mann’s business.
“There's no business without [IP]. That is the business.” – Mann Robinson
Read about Mann Robinson's story.
STEAM Students Design for a Better Future
Even though Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) disciplines underpin essentially all industries and drive the IP-intensive industries, creative contributions to industries like manufacturing, architecture, transportation, and agriculture are severely overlooked. Creators aren’t limited to traditional roles associated with creative industries. Some are even shaping industries like fashion, design, architecture, and automobiles toward more sustainable practices.
“Without artists, designers, and other creative minds, the world wouldn’t have the sleek look of American muscle cars, iconic structures like the Empire State Building, or innovative products like smartwatches.”
Read how STEAM students are designing the future.
Investing in Academic Research
University technology transfer programs exist because IP underpins every step in the innovation cycle, from initial funding through scaling up and distribution. Jeff Depp, a technology transfer specialist, said that without IP, investors wouldn’t even look at an invention, much less consider backing a spinoff. Yet, as the top research universities repeatedly generate thousands of spinoffs each year, policymakers are considering moves that could cripple this ecosystem.
“Bad policy can devour even the very best science.” – Jeff Depp
Read how IP underpins the innovation cycle.
About the authors
Jaci McDole
Jaci McDole is Senior Director of Copyright and Creativity for the Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
