John Alty will
become the new Chief Executive and Comptroller-General of the
Intellectual Property Office, Minister of State for Intellectual
Property announced today.
Currently Director General for Fair Markets at the Department for
Business, Innovation and Skills, John brings with him broad
experience of business, regulation and markets and will work to
promote the Government’s innovation agenda, supporting creativity
in the UK.
John Alty said:
“I am delighted to be taking up the Chief Executive post at the
IPO. The IPO plays an essential role in supporting BIS’ aims of
delivering economic growth and business success through supporting
innovation.
“Our IP framework is also important to all of us as consumers of
goods and services. I look forward to helping the Office to make a
real impact in the UK and internationally.”
Minister of State for Intellectual Property David Lammy said:
“I would like to welcome John to his new role at the Intellectual
Property Office, at a time where innovation and invention are more
important than ever to the UK’s economy.
“He has a wealth of experience that will be invaluable in taking
the work of the IPO forward, especially around our recent
Copyright Strategy, and I look forward to working with him.”
John succeeds Ian Fletcher, who held the position of Chief
Executive between April 2007 and October 2009, and will take up
his role early next year. Sean Dennehey, currently interim Chief
Executive, will continue in the role until John takes up his post.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1. John Alty has been Director General in Fair Markets in BIS
since 2005. Previous roles have included Director Business
Relations and Director Europe in DTI, for whom he has worked for
most of his career.
2. The Intellectual Property Office is within the Department for
Business, Innovation, and Skills (BIS) and is responsible for the
national framework of Intellectual Property rights, comprising
patents, designs, trademarks and copyright.
3. Its role is to help manage an IP system that encourages
innovation and creativity, balances the needs of consumers and
users, promotes strong and competitive markets and is the
foundation of the knowledge based economy.
It operates in a national and an international environment and
its work is governed by national and international law, including
various international treaties relating to IP to which the United
Kingdom is a party.
For enquiries about this appointment, please contact the BIS
press office on 0207 215 5979.
6. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is
building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the
conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise
and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to
succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities
and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is
building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the
conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise
and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to
succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities
and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Sophie Benger
Phone: 020 7215 5979
Sophie.Benger@bis.gsi.gov.uk