Image for Francis Gurry's 10-year tenure as WIPO Director General

Francis Gurry's 10-year tenure as WIPO Director General

Francis Gurry served as the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) from 2008 to 2018. During his tenure, he focused on promoting global intellectual property (IP) protection, enhancing the organization's services, and adapting to digital advancements. He emphasized the importance of balancing IP rights to encourage innovation while ensuring access to knowledge. Gurry also facilitated international treaties and collaborations, striving to address emerging challenges like digital piracy and biotechnology. His leadership aimed to strengthen WIPO's role in fostering creativity and economic growth worldwide.