UKIPO names new CEO

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

UKIPO names new CEO

Adam Williams.jpg

Adam Williams will take the job on a permanent basis after serving as interim CEO since the departure of Tim Moss in September

Adam Williams has been appointed chief executive and comptroller-general of the UKIPO, the office announced today, December 13.

Williams had served as the interim CEO since the departure of Tim Moss in September this year.

He was previously the UKIPO’s director of business and international policy, a role he had held since 2017.

“I am thrilled to have been appointed as the UKIPO CEO at this exciting time in our organisation’s history.

“We will continue striving to ensure that the UK’s IP environment remains one of the best-regarded in the world, helping unleash the opportunities of the future as we deliver on our ambitions,” Williams said.

Before he joined the UKIPO in 2009, Williams worked as an adviser to the government on military strategy.

The UKIPO said there had been a highly competitive recruitment process with candidates from inside and outside government.

Harry Rich, chair of the UKIPO steering board, said Williams had leadership experience and deep knowledge of the office.

A process to recruit a new director of business and international policy will happen in due course, the UKIPO said.

Williams’ predecessor, Moss, was broadly seen to have successfully led the UKIPO through a turbulent period after the UK left the EU.

But there could be further uncertainty ahead with the UK government’s plans to scrap, tweak or retain some EU laws that remained on the UK statute book after Brexit.

The UK is also involved in several free trade negotiations, which are likely to have significant IP implications.

A deadline for a draft deal with India was missed in October, with the UK’s IP proposals attracting criticism from non-governmental organisations and health access campaigners.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

The insensitive reaction to a UK politician crying on TV proves we have a long way to go before we can say we are tackling workplace wellbeing
Adrian Percer says he was impressed by the firm’s work on billion-dollar cases as well as its culture
In our latest interview with women IP leaders, Catherine Bonner at Murgitroyd discusses technology, training, and teaching
Developments included an update in the VAR dispute between Ballinno and UEFA, the latest CMS updates, and a swathe of market moves
The LMG Life Sciences Americas Awards is thrilled to present the 2025 shortlist
A new order has brought the total security awarded to a Canadian tech company to $45 million, the highest-ever by an Indian court in an IP case
Andrew Blattman reflects on how IP practices have changed and shares his hopes for increased AI use and better performance on the stock market
The firm said major IP developments included advising on a ‘landmark’ deal involving green hydrogen production, as well as two major acquisitions
The appointments follow other recent moves in the European market as firms look to bolster their UPC offerings
Deborah Kirk discusses why IP and technology have become central pillars in transactions and explains why clients need practically minded lawyers
Gift this article