Brazil ranks among the world’s top seven economies in investment in intangible assets, with total investment of US$ 312 billion in 2023, according to the report “Brazil in the Global Landscape of Intangible Investments” published by the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO).

This volume places the country close to Canada and just below Italy, ahead of economies such as Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, and India. The study is based on the World Intangible Investment Highlights (WIIH) report, developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in partnership with Luiss Business School.

Intangibles represent a significant share of GDP

According to the report, intangible investments already account for 7.6% of Brazil’s GDP, a level comparable to traditional sectors such as:

This highlights the growing importance of assets such as software, databases, brands, industrial designs, and research and development (R&D) in the Brazilian economy.

Strong performance in trademark investments

One of the key highlights is Brazil’s position in trademark-related investments. The country ranks 5th globally, with approximately US$ 79 billion, surpassing economies such as France, Italy, and Spain.

Trademarks account for around 25% of Brazil’s total intangible investments, a higher share than that observed in the United Kingdom, underscoring their strategic importance in the business environment.

Underestimation remains a challenge

Despite these figures, the report indicates that approximately 72% of intangible investments in Brazil are not captured in National Accounts.

This is due to international accounting standards that treat expenditures on assets such as brands and organizational capital as expenses rather than investments — a pattern also observed across other economies.

Global trend: intangibles drive growth

Globally, the data reveal a structural shift: since 2008, investments in intangible assets have grown, on average, more than three times as fast as tangible investments.

By 2025, these investments exceeded US$ 10 trillion, consolidating their role as a key driver of the global economy.

Strategic implications

The rise of intangible investments reinforces the role of intellectual property as a core driver of competitiveness.

For Brazil, key priorities include:

Beyond investment levels, the real challenge lies in converting intangible assets into sustainable economic value.