The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center recently released a report highlighting Wisconsin’s contributions to America’s innovation economy. The report highlights local companies and facts demonstrating how innovation and creativity—which are safeguarded by strong IP rights—serve as a driving force behind economic recovery and future growth.

“Innovation and creativity are vital to Wisconsin’s economy,” says Dr. Mark Esper, executive vice president of the Chamber’s GIPC. Wisconsin’s innovative economy employs more than 80,000 high-tech workers and approximately 10,000 doctoral scientists and engineers. In 2007, businesses and universities invested more than $3.5 billion in research and development in Wisconsin, resulting in almost 2,000 patents. Esper also noted that film and television production contributed to more than $231 million in local wages in 2007 and 2008.

“Clearly the Wisconsin economy depends on the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurism,” adds Esper, who used Snap-On Inc. has an example of innovation and creativity within the state. In 2007 alone, Snap-On generated nearly $3 billion in revenue and held more than 2,400 active and pending patents in the United States and worldwide. In that same year, Johnson Controls reported $168 million in net patented technology assets achieved through extensive research and innovation.

“Indeed, Wisconsinites are proven innovators,” says Esper. “The first hydroelectric power plant began operation in Wisconsin in addition to the invention of the first telephone answering machine and automatic clothes drier. America has a unique story to tell, and Wisconsin plays a large role in this story. Innovation and creativity are essential to economic growth and human advancement, and Wisconsin’s IP contributions reflect this.”

The State Fact Sheet project can be accessed online at  www.theglobalipcenter.com, as well as in a printable format.

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Wisconsinites created …
• The first garbage disposal unit, invented by Racine native John W. Hammes, whose patent led to the successful founding
of the InSinkErator.

• The first commercially viable typewriter was invented in the late 1860s by Christopher Latham Sholes of Milwaukee.

• The first hydroelectric power plant began operation on Sept. 30, 1882 on the Fox River in Appleton.

• The first automatic clothes dryer, developed by Hamilton Manufacturing Co. of Two Rivers in 1935.

• The first telephone answering machine, known as the electronic Secretary, invented by Joseph Zimmerman in 1948.

• The first outboard gasoline engine for boats, patented in 1911 by Ole Evinrude.

• The solid body electric guitar, invented by pioneering Waukesha-born musician Les Paul in 1941 and is still a best-seller for Gibson Guitars.

source: Global Intellectual Property Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

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