QUESTION: What is worth more than gold and diamonds in these economic still turbulent times?

ANSWER: Intellectual Property (IP) Rights - including trademarks, designs, utility models & patents. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) just recently published its World IP Indicator 2011 Report. Fact is, that Intellectual Property (IP) Rights have experienced a growth rate that is breathtaking. - Patent filings grew by 7.2% - Trademark filings grew even more so by 11,8% in 2010 - compared to a 5.1% increase in global gross domestic product (GDP). The growth comes from the larger IP offices around the world - the number one being 1. China with an increase of 24.3%, followed by 2. the European Patent Office (EPO) with an increase of 12.2%, 3. Singapore at 11.9%, followed by 4. the Russian Federation at 10.2%. Special Highlight: TRADEMARKS - Germans file largest number worldwide The year 2010 brought about the largest growth at an increase of 11.8% in trademark applications and an increase of 21.4% in trademark registrations worldwide. An estimated 3.66 million applications were filed globally, whereas, WIPO reports that Germans filed the most. For more details see: Highlights WIPO IP Indicator Report For statistical overviews, charts etc. broken down by IP Rights, countries etc. see: Statistics The whole report with great and detailed information can be found at: Full WIPO IP Indicator Report 2011