Purpose – In the last few years scholars have focused on the topic of Intellectual Property. In this perspective, many international surveys show that the economic contribution of copyright-based industries is becoming increasingly important. In this way the study aims to analyse the methodology used in a many surveys on the evaluation of economic contributions of copyright-based industries in the national economy. Finally, the research proposes a new methodology that will support the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the Italian copyright industries in terms of their value added to the country’s Gross Domestic Product as well as their contribution to employment. The research question of this paper is the following: how is it possible to assess the impact of copyright-based industries in the Italian national economy? Design/methodology/approach – The research uses a multi-method approach based on a qualitative and quantitative investigation, with the aim of assessing the economic impact of copyright-based industries in Italy. On the first level we analyse the best international practice used for evaluation of the economic impact of intensive copyright industries. On the second level, using a quantitative method an attempt is made to measure the economic performance of intensive copyright industries with reference to Italy. The selected year for the survey is 2011. This study adopts WIPO’s guidelines “Wipo Guide on surveying the Economic Contribution of the Copyright-Based Industries” and the Ernest & Young study entitled: “1er Panorama des Industries Culturelles et Créatives. Au Couer du Rayonnement et de la Competitivité de la France”. The main source data is collected by statistic databases like Istat, Eurostat and United Nations Statistics Division. The industrial classification starts with the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) suggested in the WIPO Guide and, after the conversion, first in NACE and than in ATECO 2007, we identify the industries and their activities as relevant to copyright-based industries in Italy. Originality/value – This study aims to compare the classification and the methods used for determination of the economic impact of the intensive copyright industries. Moreover, this study attempts to propose an alternative method to assess the economic contribution of copyright-based industries in Italy. Practical implications – This study, presenting the value of the economic impact of this sector on Italian GDP, will make public opinion aware of the importance of this sector on the national economy.