UK Patent Office Appoints New Chief Executive

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

26 March 2007

Malcolm Wicks, Minister for Science and Innovation last week announced the appointment of Ian Fletcher as Chief Executive of the Patent Office. Mr Fletcher is currently Managing Director of the International Directorate in the UK's Trade and Investment department.

Announcing the appointment, Mr Wicks stated that:

"I am pleased to welcome Ian to the Patent Office at this exciting time. The recent Gowers Review of Intellectual Property redefines the Patent Office’s role both in the UK and abroad, seeing intellectual property rights as vital for British businesses. I look forward to working with him and the Office as it develops in the light of the planned name change to UK Intellectual Property Office on 2 April."

Ian Fletcher added:

"I am delighted to be joining the Patent Office. It already plays a vital role in the UK's economic prosperity, its scientific excellence and its innovation system. As the Office moves on to tackle to challenges set out in Andrew Gowers' review, the Office's role will become even more central to the UK's response to the challenges of globalisation."

Ron Marchant, outgoing Chief Executive of the Patent Office concluded:

"Having met with Ian a few times and discussed the future of the UK Intellectual Property Office I have been impressed with his enthusiasm and his wide international perspective. I am confident he will take the Office forward on its chosen path."

Mr Fletcher will take up his new post 30 April 2007, following his predecessor's retirement later this month.

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