Methodological note. EIS: Community trademarks per billion GDP (in PPP euros)

Trademarks are an important innovation indicator, especially for the service sector. The Community trademark gives its proprietor a uniform right applicable in all Member States of the European Union through a single procedure which simplifies trademark policies at European level. It fulfils the three essential functions of a trademark: it identifies the origin of goods and services, guarantees consistent quality through evidence of the company´s commitment vis-á-vis the consumer, and is a form of communication, a basis for publicity and advertising.

The indicator is obtained as a quotient.

Numerator:

Number of trademark applications applied for at European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) plus number of trademark applications applied for at World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) ("yearly Madrid applications by origin").

Denominator:

Gross Domestic Product in Purchasing Power Parity euros.