WIPO appoints IPOS chief as next leader
Daren Tang, the current head of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), has officially been appointed to lead the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Tang, who was appointed by consensus by the WIPO member states on Friday, May 8, will become director general of WIPO on October 1, 2020, for a term of six years. This marks the first time a Singaporean will lead a UN agency, and WIPO’s first director general from Asia.
Back in March, Tang beat other candidates to be nominated as Francis Gurry’s successor. They included Wang Binying (China), WIPO deputy director general, whose nomination had been opposed by the US; Marco Matías Alemán (Colombia), director of WIPO’s patent law division; and WIPO legal counsel Edward Kwakwa (Ghana).
Tang's confirmation took place through an unprecedented written procedure due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Plans for the future
In his acceptance speech, Tang thanked all member states for their support and confidence in entrusting him with this “immense responsibility in these unprecedented times”.
He added: “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused untold misery and brought the world to a standstill, but has also reminded us of our common humanity.
“More than ever, the WIPO community needs to unite to support our inventors, innovators and creators, all of whom are playing critical roles in helping us overcome this grave pandemic, whether it is in finding a cure for the virus, allowing us to stay connected through technology, or lifting our spirits during this challenging period."
Tang outlined the global challenges faced by the world, including the “deeper forces of unilateralism and parochialism” threatening to undermine multilateral institutions, and urged member states to respond by working “even more closely together” through a common, global effort.
He added that WIPO has grown stronger and more relevant since its inception 50 years ago due to the “proven willingness of all member states to share joint responsibility, confront challenges, and transform together”.
Laying out his plans for the organisation, Tang prioritised the need to build an “inclusive, balanced, vibrant, and forward-looking global IP ecosystem”.
To do so, Tang plans to provide more support to developing and least developed countries and build a culture of “strong governance, diversity, mutual respect, passion, effectiveness, and financial prudence within the organisation”.
He said: After 50 years, there are still many member states who continue to feel that it is not clear how IP has brought concrete benefits to their communities or their economies. This must be addressed.”
Gurry extended congratulations to Tang and the government of Singapore.
He added: “The international IP community will be in good hands with Tang at the helm of the organisation. In the meantime, we are looking forward to working closely with Tang and his team on a smooth transition.”
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