IPH Strategic Advisor Dr Francis Gurry awarded honorary doctorate

IPH Strategic Advisor Dr Francis Gurry was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Melbourne in February 2022. The honorary doctorate, which is the University’s highest honour, is in recognition of Francis’ outstanding achievements in the field of Intellectual Property, including 35 years of service to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and his position as the highest-ranking Australian in the UN system. 

Francis is the former Director General of WIPO and one of the world’s leading authorities on IP matters.  During his time at WIPO he guided the organisation to its place 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.

Francis was appointed as Strategic Advisor to IPH in October 2020, where he plays a key role in assisting the Group to progress its strategy to be the leading IP services group in secondary IP markets. IPH and its member firms are able to draw on his unparalleled knowledge, insights and experience in global IP matters for the benefit of the Group’s clients and its IP professionals.