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Director General Appoints Mr. Nicolas G. Hayek to IAC

Geneva, February 10, 2000
Press Releases PR/2000/206

The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, appointed on Thursday Mr. Nicolas G. Hayek, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Swatch Group, to the Industry Advisory Commission (IAC). Mr. Hayek, a national of Switzerland, joins a prestigious group of business leaders on the IAC, which advises the Director General on intellectual property questions of specific interest to industry. A list of IAC members is attached.

Dr. Idris said Mr. Hayek's vast experience in innovation and setting trends would be an asset to the work of the IAC. "The success of Swatch demonstrates the power of innovation and originality, two of the driving forces in the intellectual property field," Dr. Idris said. "Mr. Hayek's wealth of experience in business and his appreciation of the social, cultural and economic value of intellectual property assets will be an asset to the work of the Industry Advisory Commission," Dr. Idris said.

The establishment of the IAC in 1998 marked the beginning of a new partnership between WIPO and the private sector. The Commission, which brings together in bi-annual meetings some 20 high-level representatives of industry, is of crucial importance to WIPO in view of the fact that industry benefits most directly from intellectual property protection. In addition, the challenges that industry faces due to globalization and rapid developments in technology directly affect and are affected by intellectual property. The IAC, a purely advisory body to the Director General, provides a forum for industry leaders to exchange views with WIPO.

In appointing members to the IAC, Dr. Idris has sought to ensure a balance in geographical distribution, as well as well as diversity in professional and academic backgrounds. Mr. Hayek's pioneering role in the watch industry and his astute sense of business will add to the strength of the IAC. The Swatch Group is one of the world's largest watch manufacturers, having produced over 100 million watches in 1999. The Group owns several leading brands, including Blancpain, Breguet, Omega, Longines, Tissot, Rado, and Flik Flak.

For further information, please contact the Media Relations & Public Affairs Section, at WIPO:

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