Interview: WIPO’s Gurry hits out at ‘fake news’

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 4 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

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

Interview: WIPO’s Gurry hits out at ‘fake news’

gurry-image-600-min.jpg

Addressing past allegations, the departing WIPO chief says those making accusations should be more accountable

Francis Gurry, the director general of WIPO, has hit back at previous allegations made against him, insisting that people who make accusations and the media that report them should face greater scrutiny. 

Gurry, who departs WIPO in September after 12 years in office, was speaking to Managing IP in what could be his last major media interview as DG.

The Australian made headlines after he was accused in 2014 of being involved in the illicit taking of some workers’ DNA and interfering in a procurement process.

A subsequent report by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services – the full version of which was not made publicly available – found that there was no evidence that Gurry was involved in any DNA scandal. However, it did find that he directly influenced the giving of a WIPO contract.

In two separate matters, the UN Sanctions Committee found that Gurry did not violate UN resolutions by providing technical assistance to Iran and North Korea.

Gurry insists there is a duty on the media to report such findings, particularly if outlets have covered the initial allegations. 

Speaking about the DNA findings, Gurry claims: “There was very little [media] reporting on the conclusions. The report found one sentence: ‘There is absolutely no evidence to support these allegations.’

“What do you want me to do?” he asks.

Gurry adds: “You have certain people running around saying this, that and the other, but what’s the responsibility of someone who makes this accusation and which results in a six or 12 month process from which there is nothing found?

“We all know that one of the fundamental problems is ‘fake news’ and the integrity of information. Anyone can put anything out there, and I see that as one of our biggest problems. I don’t think we have fully come to terms with this.”

In a wide-ranging interview, Gurry also discusses:

·       The growth of Chinese and Asian IP filings;

·       Coronavirus and IP rights;

·       Artificial intelligence and IP; and

·       A look back over his time in office

The full interview will be published on Managing IP next week.




more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Florina Firaru discusses making new connections, the art of flower arranging, and the biggest misconception about IP
The firm, which appointed three IP partners from A&O Shearman, wants to develop a tier one practice in Europe
The England and Wales appeals court handed down its judgment just seven working days after hearing the trademark dispute involving pharma company Merck
A host of law firms from across Europe and beyond helped bring the streaming technology dispute to a close
Hugues Derème, director general of the Benelux IP Office, unveils his vision for the region, how to improve IP awareness, and use of AI
A copyright win for AI firm Anthropic and a new executive order against law firm Jenner & Block were also among the top talking points this week
A principal at Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner explains how AI tools, including DeepIP, can position the firm to help clients
The firm explains why AI-empowered data analytics could make it a more efficient advocate for its clients
Penelope Aspinall, of IP wellbeing charity Jonathan’s Voice, explains why managers should take a three-tiered approach to looking after workers’ mental health
Heath Hoglund talks about the value proposition of patent pools and why it went ahead with its first-ever series of pool meetings in China
Gift this article