Australia’s IP office welcomes new director general
Michael Schwager has begun his service as director general of IP Australia, after the agency announced his appointment to the role in August.
He succeeds Patricia Kelly, who retired from public service in August after nearly five years in the role.
Schwager previously served as the chief operating officer at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, a government agency responsible for scientific innovation.
Before this, Schwager worked in various senior positions in the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, focusing on areas such as corporate operations, business policy, and foreign investment.
Schwager’s knowledge of the innovation system, including IP implications and opportunities, means he is “equipped to make a strong contribution” at the agency, according to IP Australia.
IP Australia, which falls under the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, is currently consulting with stakeholders on the protection of indigenous knowledge to discover how the agency can best help to promote the cultural integrity and economic potential of indigenous knowledge.
The consultation period is due to close on February 1, 2019.
Since taking office last week, Schwager has taken to Twitter to congratulate the EU on joining the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Marrakesh Treaty. The treaty, which covers 70 countries, aims to help blind and visually impaired people access copyright-protected works.
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