Economics & Finance / Macroeconomics / Economic Development & Transition

Your Country's IP Laws Are Probably Hurting You: The Chile Case

Think stronger patent laws make your business grow? Think again. A deep dive into Chile's 1995-2005 manufacturing data reveals a shocking truth: patents don't drive growth for local companies in middle-income countries—they're just a side effect of success. But trademarks? They're the unsung heroes, used by 27% of firms vs. just 1.5% for patents. This study by Carsten Fink, Bronwyn H. Hall, and Christian Helmers flips the script on everything you thought you knew about intellectual property in developing economies. Discover why patents are mostly for foreign giants, how trademarks build real value, and why weak IP protection might be your country's secret weapon for catching up. If you're in a middle-income nation, this will change how you see your business strategy.