Copyright: The Foundation of America’s Creative Economy and Growth

“Copyright protections are not just legal safeguards—they are the foundation of our creative ecosystem and a critical driver of our economic and cultural leadership.”

Notes the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in its recent report, Unlocking Creativity: A Study of the Socioeconomic Benefits of Copyright. 

In today’s innovation-driven, digital world, copyright plays a vital role in supporting creativity, fueling economic vitality, and promoting cultural expression. This comprehensive report reviews decades of global research and economic data to show how copyright-intensive industries drive job creation, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Why This Report Matters

• Quantifying the economic contributions of copyright-reliant industries

• Examining how copyright protections encourage innovation, job growth, and cultural exchange

• Highlighting the significant costs of weak copyright enforcement and digital piracy

• Offering a framework to understand how copyright fuels creative output and economic prosperity

Key Findings

• $3.37 trillion: The total contribution of copyright industries to the U.S. GDP in 2023, over 12% of the economy

• 21.14 million jobs: Nearly 10% of U.S. workers are employed in copyright-related sectors, with average wages 50% higher than the national average

• $12 trillion: The estimated value of the global creative economy, supporting over 50 million jobs worldwide

• $272 billion: U.S. exports from copyright-intensive industries in 2023, outpacing major sectors like agriculture and aerospace

• $29 to $71 billion: Estimated annual economic loss to the U.S. due to digital piracy, with up to 560,000 jobs lost

• Impact of piracy: Digital piracy reduces the quality and quantity of creative content and discourages investment in innovation

• Download Full Report Here

WY It Matters

Strong copyright protections aren’t just a national issue, they have a direct impact on Wyoming’s businesses and economy. For Wyoming creators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, copyright safeguards provide the confidence to innovate, invest, and develop original products and services without fear of unfair competition.

By protecting creative work, copyright helps Wyoming businesses compete in a global marketplace, supports good-paying jobs, and fuels local economic growth. The Unlocking Creativity report makes it clear: safeguarding copyright means securing Wyoming’s future as a hub for innovation, creativity, and economic opportunity.