Identifying the Challenges in Applying Intellectual Property Rights in the Tourism Industry

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Science and Technology Policy, Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Mazandaran,

2 Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Mazandaran

Abstract

Context and Purpose: Supporting the tourism industry through intellectual property rights is becoming established in the country, and using its examples to increase productivity and business prosperity in this industry has become increasingly common. However, its implementation in this industry in our country has always faced obstacles. Given the research gap in this regard, the present study examines the challenges of intellectual property rights in the tourism industry.
Design/methodology/approach: The required data for this research was collected qualitatively through interviews with Experts and professors in the fields of intellectual property, cultural heritage, and tourism. It is worth mentioning that the research sampling method was snowball sampling, and ultimately, the results obtained from 18 interviews were analyzed through content analysis using MAXQDA software.
Findings: The challenges in implementing intellectual property rights in the tourism industry that were identified in this study include: issues related to the cultural structure, legal system, judicial system, executive structure and characteristics of implementers, formulated policies, and the resources and executive tools of institutions.
Conclusion: Based on the research findings, if the identified challenges are not addressed, there will be no foundation for implementing a legal support system in the tourism industry; thus, it is necessary for tourism industry policymakers to identify these challenges and provide appropriate solutions to create the necessary framework for supporting the tourism industry.
Originality/value: This research is innovative in that it examines the challenges and presents existing tools for implementing intellectual property rights in the tourism industry, which have not been in previous studies. The findings of this research contribute to developing the current body of knowledge by highlighting the necessity of implementing legal protections in the tourism industry.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Tourism Planning and Development
Volume 14, Issue 55
December 2025
Pages 219-255

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