The role of the Intellectual Property Office’s (IPO) Steering Board is to advise ministers, by way of director-general Sir Adrian Smith, on the organisation’s corporate plan and performance (including targets).
The Steering Board also provides guidance from a commercial standpoint on operation and development across a range of issues.
The IPO’s CEO John Alty has welcomed Gilbert’s appointment, commenting: “Bob’s appointment coincides with the development of our corporate strategy, and his wide experience will enable the Steering Board members to develop their role in ensuring efficiency and value throughout the organisation.”
Alty’s looking forward to working with Gilbert “on an exciting agenda” to ensure the IPO is Best in Class across its policy, delivery and advisory functions.
Background in corporate law
Bob Gilbert is a corporate lawyer. For 30 years he was a partner and latterly deputy senior partner of Wragge & Co, the Birmingham law firm.
He’s currently chairman of the Paintbox Group of automotive engineering companies.
Gilbert has held many non-executive appointments as chairman of both private and publicly-quoted companies, as well as chairing bodies in the public sector.
In 2004, he was appointed by the Secretary of State for Industry to chair the Government’s Motor Sport Development Board, and was until recently chairman of Nominet (the .UK domain name registry).
Gilbert’s career has given him exposure to a range of IP issues and international experience of commercial and industrial enterprise. He’s said to approach challenges with a hands on style, and is very keen to help the IPO deliver its strategic vision.
Ideas. knowledge and creativity
Speaking about his appointment to the Intellectual Property Office Steering Board, Gilbert explained: “Intellectual Property is essential for ideas, knowledge and creativity to deliver growth. The IPO strategy will deliver benefits for the economy and society. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and making a difference to the contribution of the Steering Board in making this reality.”
During the last 12 months, the Steering Board has provided advice and guidance on a wide range of topics, including agency targets, intellectual property policy, accounts and risk management.
The Steering Board will meet six times a year from April. Its membership now consists of:
Work of the Intellectual Property Office explained
The Intellectual Property Office sits within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and is responsible for the national framework of IP rights comprising patents, designs, trade marks and copyright.
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.
The IP Office operates in both a national and international environment, with its work governed by national and international law (including various international treaties relating to IP to which the United Kingdom is a party).
