The Director General of the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) will prepare the business of the Administrative Council in this eight-member body for the next three years. The Council supervises the activities of the European Patent Office. The 38 member states of the EPO, which has its headquarters in Munich, include all EU states as well as Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

About the IPI
The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) is the federal centre of competence for patents, trade marks, geographical indications, design and copyright. Individuals and companies can register their inventions and creations with the IPI to protect them from being copied. In addition to this, the IPI informs the public about the IP rights system of protection.

It also fulfils a political mandate in all areas of intellectual property in that it prepares legislation, advises the federal authorities, and represents Switzerland within international organisations and vis-à-vis other countries.

IPI Director General becomes delegate in the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation