The Global Innovation Policy Center of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has released its annual International IP Index, evaluating the intellectual property environments of 50 major economies. In the 2018 edition, the United States ranked first overall, reflecting strong legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.
The IPWatchdog analysis ties this ranking to the 'Iancu Effect' — the policy direction set by USPTO Director Andrei Iancu, which has sought to strengthen patent eligibility and other IP rights. However, the article argues that these administrative changes alone are fragile.
Without supportive rulings from federal courts or corrective legislation from Congress, the Iancu-era gains could be reversed. The source suggests that the index's favorable ranking may not translate into lasting stability if the other branches of government do not align with the USPTO's approach.