Daren Tang, former Chief Executive of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), assumed the functions of Director General of WIPO on 1 October.

He has been elected for a six-year term, and succeeds Francis Gurry, who retired on 30 September.

Mr Tan joined IPOS in 2012. Since May 2017 he has also been Chair of WIPO’s Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR).

Following his appointment, he set out his priorities and vision for the Organization, based on three themes: inclusiveness, balance and future-orientation. He also committed to building a strong organisational foundation, high standards of governance and meticulous financial management.

Read more from WIPO here.

Congratulating Mr Tang on the start of his term of office, MARQUES Chair Susie Harris said: “WIPO plays a key role in support of brand owners, in particular in the administration of the international trade mark and design systems. MARQUES has a close working relationship with WIPO, including as an accredited observer organisation. We welcome Mr Tang to the position of Director General and look forward very much to furthering our fruitful cooperation with WIPO under his leadership.”

Photo of Mr Tang: WIPO/BERROD