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Intangible asset investment growing fast, spreading globally
By Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados
Investment in intangible assets like brands, designs, data and software has grown three times faster over the past 15 years than investment in physical assets like factories and machinery, with Sweden, the United States and France seeing the most-intensive activity and India trending upward, according to new data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The first-ever World Intangible Investment Highlights, published in partnership with Italy’s Luiss Business School (LBS), demonstrates how intangible assets are an increasingly important driver of innovation and economic growth in a globalized knowledge economy.
Despite disruptive global crises and rising interest rates, aggregate intangible investment touched US$6.9 trillion in 2023, more than doubling from US$2.9 trillion in 1995. Since 2008, the intangible investment growth rate has tripled that of tangible investment, which rose to US$4.7 trillion in 2023, the report shows.
In today's economy, the most valuable firms, spanning high-tech, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and financial services industries, derive their competitiveness and market value from intangible rather than physical "tangible" capital. These intangible assets encompass research and development (R&D), know-how, software and data, design, brands and reputation, organizational or supply-chain expertise, and top-tier skills, all assets that either result or interact with intellectual property (IP) in some form. Despite their intangible nature, these assets hold the power to create immense value for companies, economies, societies, and individuals alike.
Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados
GUY JOSE BENDAÑA GUERRERO & ASOCIADOS has a long and prosperous tradition in the field of intellectual property (IP) in Nicaragua, with roots that go back to more than 100 years, resulting on long-term relationships with renowned clients and attorneys worldwide.
The firm has its origins in the law firm Henry Caldera & Henry Caldera-Pallais, founded in 1907 by Mr. Henry Caldera. That same year of 1907, through the efforts of Mr. Caldera, Nicaragua had its first Trademark Law. In the late 1930’s, Mr. Caldera’s oldest son, Dr. Henry Caldera-Pallais, after studying law in Nicaragua, attended the University of Michigan, where he graduated as a Registered U.S. Patent Attorney. Dr. Caldera-Pallais in 1964 was a founding member of the Interamerican Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI), the first regional intellectual property organization in the Americas. The firm continued to grow during the administration of Dr. Franklin Caldera, son of Dr. Caldera-Pallais, who obtained his doctoral degree in law from the Universidad Centroamericana in 1973.
Since 1985 the current partners, Dr. Guy José Bendaña Guerrero and Mrs. Blanca Aragón de Bendaña, took over the management of the firm. Dr. Bendaña Guerrero, Director of the firm, has distinguished himself as one of the most respected authorities in Central America in the field of intellectual property and law in general, being the author of several books such as “Course of Industrial Property Law”, “Study of the new Laws of Industrial Property” and “New Study of Contracts “, among others. Mrs. Aragón de Bendaña has served as the firm’s general manager and, thanks to her excellent management, the firm has been in constant growth, with a highly qualified staff committed to excellence. Since 1996, partner Julián José Bendaña Aragón joined the firm, and has been standing out as one of the most recognized attorneys in the field of intellectual property.
We have adapted to the constant change of the business world, supporting our clients in finding the most appropriate legal solutions for each moment. The firm distinguishes itself by understanding the needs of its clients, offering personalized service and adding value to its activities.
Nowadays we continue to be the leading firm in Nicaragua in the area of intellectual property, and at the same time, we have been consolidating other areas of service within the civil, commercial and labor fields, as well as litigation and consulting in general. The firm is well positioned to guarantee a pragmatic service that meets the requirements of the most demanding clients.