Copyright Based Industries Boost Singapore's Economy

Industries falling within the Core Copyright category made the largest contributions, at 2.8% of GDP and 3.5% of total employment. A list of the industries under each category is shown in Annex 1. The economic contribution for value added and employment, of each of these categories is shown in Annex 2, Table 1.

“Singapore is pleased to be the pioneer country to adopt WIPO’s framework. Recognising the economic spin-offs, it is important that we continue to provide a conducive environment for IP-intensive industries to flourish. Aside from putting in place an internationally benchmarked IP regime, Singapore also needs a prevalent and ingrained culture that respects and rewards creative efforts,” said Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee, Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs, who graced the launch of the Anti-Piracy Cinema Trailer today.

Speaking on the study, Associate Professor Loy Wee Loon, Deputy Director of the IP Academy, who was on the research team of the study said “By adopting WIPO’s framework in this pilot study, Singapore is supporting WIPO’s efforts to standardise the measure of copyright’s contribution to nation’s economies.”

“This study is also the IP Academy’s first research programme, and we hope that its results will be beneficial to Singapore policy-makers, such as IPOS,” Assoc Prof Loy added.

Ms Liew Woon Yin, Director-General of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore remarked “We are indeed excited about the study. It has helped to align our definition of creative industries with WIPO’s recommended framework and provide us a clearer reflection of the direct contributions generated by our local copyright creators.”

The study also revealed that over a 15-year period (1986 to 2001), the core copyright industries grew strongly, at an annual compound growth rate of 12.8%, in terms of nominal value added. This compares well to the 9.6% annual growth of Singapore’s overall economy, over the same period. Similarly, employment numbers for the core copyright industries grew at an annual compound rate of 6.7%, higher than Singapore’s overall employment at 3.5%. Annex 2, Table 2 reveals details of how the core copyright industries have grown.

These results are the preliminary findings of the study and examine the direct impact of the copyright-based industries on the economy. The study will continue for another two more months, as NUS Consulting will be examining the indirect contribution of copyright industries to Singapore’s economy, through the multiplier effect. It will also cover foreign trade in copyright activities. Results of the full study will be released once it is completed.

This study reveals that copyright is a powerful economic driver and is growing increasingly relevant. Through this project, the IP Academy and IPOS aim to raise awareness of the growing importance of copyright activities to Singapore’ economic growth and development.

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Media enquiries may be directed to:

IP Academy Chan Yiu Lin Public Relations IP Academy Email: yiulin@starhub.net.sg HP: (65) 9765 5897 Fax: (65) 6777 9363

IPOS Jennifer Chen Assistant Director Media & Marketing Communications IPOS Email: Jennifer_CHEN@ipos.gov.sg DID: (65) 6331 6548 HP: (65) 9369 1839 Fax: (65) 6331 6562

About the IP Academy
Launched in January 2003, the IP Academy aims to be the focal point for IP education and training in Singapore. In order to broaden and deepen IP capabilities, the IP Academy has adopted two strategies: Education and Research. The Educational charter aims to provide continuing education and life-long learning opportunities for IP professionals, business organisations and research institutes. The Research charter aims to develop depth in IP competencies, enabling Singapore to keep at the forefront of IP developments. Through its programmes and activities, the IP Academy will help build up an environment supportive of the creation, protection and exploitation of IP. More information on the IP Academy can be found at www.ipacademy.edu.sg

About IPOS
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore or IPOS is the lead government agency that formulates and regulates Intellectual Property (IP) laws, promotes IP awareness and provides the infrastructure to facilitate the greater development of IP in Singapore. With IP fast becoming a critical resource in today’s new economy, IPOS’s vision is to foster a creative Singapore where ideas and intellectual efforts are valued, developed and exploited. Formerly known as the Registry of Trade Marks and Patents, IPOS was established as a statutory board of the Ministry of Law on 1 April 2001. More information on IPOS can be found on www.ipos.gov.sg

Annex 1

Composition of Singapore’s Copyright-based Industries
Core Copyright (9)	Interdependent Copyright (7)	Partial Copyright (10)	Non-Dedicated Support (3)
Software & Databases Press & Literature Music, Theatrical Productions & Operas Advertising Services Radio & Television Visual & Graphic Arts Motion Picture & Video Photography Copyright Collecting Societies	TV sets, Radios, VCRS, CD Players, Cassette Players, Electronic Game Equipment & other similar equipment Computers & Equipment Musical Instruments Photographic & Cinematographic Instruments Photocopiers Blank Recording Material Paper	Apparel, textiles & footwear Jewellery & coins Other crafts Furniture Household goods, china & glass Wall coverings & carpets Toys & games Architecture, engineering, surveying Interior Design Museums	General wholesale & retailing General Transportation Telephony & Internet