Francis Gurry joins IPH as advisor
Asia-Pacific IP services provider IPH has recruited former World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) director general Francis Gurry as a strategic advisor.
Gurry stepped down as head of WIPO last month, to be replaced by former Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) chief executive Daren Tang. Gurry had served in the position since October 2008.
“We are pleased to have secured an executive of Francis’ calibre to the group as a strategic advisor,” said Andrew Blattman, IPH CEO.
“Under Francis’ leadership, WIPO has been at the forefront of managing the impact of rapid technological change on international patent and copyright systems and ensuring that the IP system continues to serve its fundamental purpose of encouraging creativity and innovation,” Blattman added.
Gurry said: “IPH is one the major patent filers globally and has been an innovator in the IP sector, including being the first IP services group to list on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2014. I look forward to bringing my experience to the group and assisting IPH progress its strategy to be the leading IP services group in secondary IP markets and adjacent areas of IP.”
In an interview with WIPR last April, Gurry spoke about the importance of furthering gender diversity in the global IP system.
Gurry launched WIPO’s first policy on gender equality in 2014, but in the interview said global innovation was still suffering from a lack of participation from women.
“We will be able to draw on Francis’ unparalleled knowledge, insights and experience in global IP matters for the benefit of our clients and our IP professionals across the group,” Blattman said.
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