Sep. 12--The number of businesses in Connecticut involved in high-tech innovation and the creation, distribution and performance of copyrighted material is on the rise, but needs strong intellectual property protection to be sustained, according to research released this week.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Intellectual Property Center, which advocates innovation and global economic growth, released a state-by-state report showing that the number of Connecticut businesses involved in copyrighted works related to theaters, museums and studios grew to more than 9,500 in 2008, a 6.8 percent increase over 2007.

State innovators received 1,611 patents, ranking 18th in the nation in patents granted in 2007, the most recent year for which that data is available.

The software industry here employs nearly 1,600 people who earn more than $166 million in wages and the average high-tech worker makes about $78,900 per year, which is 41 percent more than Connecticut's average private-sector wage, the report said.

State Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Joan McDonald said the state has active partnerships with the University of Connecticut, Yale University, the Connecticut Technology Council and other organizations to support entrepreneurs.

McDonald also is chairwoman of Connecticut Innovations, the state's venture capital arm.

In April, Connecticut Innovations celebrated its 20th anniversary, and over its lifetime, CI has invested about $124 million in mostly startup companies with two to 100 employees.

"More than $1 billion has been leveraged by private investors," McDonald said.

CI also helps high-tech small businesses compete for federal Small Business Innovation Research grant awards.

Three years ago, Connecticut companies received $12 million in Small Business Innovation Research awards, McDonald said, but that number jumped to $48 million last year.

The chamber report identified General Electric, Xerox Corp., United Technologies Corp. and Stanley Works as Connecticut companies that demonstrate "how innovation and creativity, which are safeguarded by strong (intellectual property) rights, serve as a driving force behind economic recovery and future growth."

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