WIPO Director General Daren Tang concluded a two-day official visit to Denmark from May 13 to 14, where he met with senior government officials, academic leaders and leading Danish companies. Talks focused on how intellectual property (IP) can serve as a catalyst for competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.
During the visit, hosted by the Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO), Mr. Tang highlighted Denmark’s innovation ecosystem as a model of openness, collaboration and long-term vision, demonstrating how IP can drive not only business success, but also inclusive and green development.
Copenhagen Engagements
- Held bilateral talks with Sune Stampe Sørensen, Director General and CEO of DKPTO, on strengthening support for SMEs, advancing IP outreach, and future cooperation between WIPO and DKPTO.
- Delivered a keynote address and participated in open dialogue with the leading 25 Danish Companies Network, including LEGO, Novo Nordisk, Vestas, Coloplast, Ecco, GN Store Nord, and Bang & Olufsen, during a roundtable organized by the DKPTO.
- Visited the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and held discussions with President Anders Overgaard Bjarklev and the university’s tech transfer team on IP commercialization, startup support, and institutional innovation strategies.
- Toured DTU Skylab and DTU Science Park, meeting with entrepreneurs and spin-offs developing deep tech and sustainability-driven innovations.
- Met with senior officials at the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs to discuss IP’s role in competitiveness, innovation policy and Denmark’s upcoming EU Presidency.
- Engaged with senior representatives from the Ministry of Culture and the Danish Rights Alliance to explore cooperation on enforcement, copyright and AI and digital challenges in the creative economy.