Due to the recent and forthcoming retirement of several Board members, the IPAN Board now has vacancies for (at least) two directors. Details of the role and suitable personal attributes are given below, and anyone wishing to be considered for these voluntary positions is asked to send an Expression of Interest by email to info@ipaware.org, marked for the attention of John Ogier, Chairman, as soon as possible and ideally before 5pm on Friday, 15 September 2023 (for Board consideration the following week).
THE ROLE. Applicants will be passionate about IP and its importance both locally, nationally and globally. They will have considerable experience of IP, perhaps – but not limited to – within the IP professions (eg patent or trade mark attorney), or within higher education (eg academic lecturer or researcher), entrepreneurs, inventors, those involved in IP in business and commerce, IP lawyers or with practical experience within a corporate organisation. They will enjoy using their experience to promote IP to and with people from different IP backgrounds and interests.
Commitment is key: IPAN relies heavily on its directors to achieve its aims so, while recognising the need to achieve a balance with other commitments, Board members are expected to attend the majority of Board meetings, either in-person or online, and to complete additional tasks as required and with limited resources, working both independently and in partnership with other IPAN officers and the secretariat. The workload averages at just a couple of hours a week but does vary through the year, particularly leading up to major events such as World IP Day and the AGM.
Please note: this role is voluntary and unremunerated although expenses (approved in advance) will be reimbursed.
ABOUT IPAN. The Intellectual Property Awareness Network (IPAN) is an independent, not for profit membership organisation, limited by guarantee and with educational objects, registered in England under no. 07693250. It is committed to championing the importance and understanding of intellectual property (IP) of businesses, large and small. It is also unique in the UK in bringing together people who are users of IP in their work with IP rich industry sectors, educationalists teaching IP awareness, IP experts, or indeed anyone who has an interest in IP.
IPAN supports the aims of IP Inclusive and seeks to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in its membership and activities, encouraging all to contribute fully and on an equal basis.
IPAN operates with minimal formality and cost. Management is through the Board of Directors, appointed by the members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The directors usually meet before the regular IPAN Network meetings to decide on operational aspects such as the meeting programme and applications for membership. All members are governed by the IPAN Articles of Association and Rules.
IPAN meetings are open to IPAN members and their guests (subject to available space) and are held roughly every 3 months, where possible ‘in person’ (usually at the CIPA offices in Holborn, London) and/or ‘virtually’ in webinars or through Zoom, to hear progress with initiatives from IPAN interest groups and to discuss a contemporary IP topic after a presentation by a guest expert. ‘In person’ meetings typically end with general discussion and the chance for networking.
If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity please contact info@ipaware.org. We look forward to hearing from you!