Chris McDonald MP has been confirmed as the new Government minister with responsibility for intellectual property.
This follows his appointment as Minister of State (Minister for Science, Innovation and Investment) jointly in the Department for Health and Social Care and the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade in July 2026.
The appointment follows a pledge in the Industrial Strategy’s Creative Industries Sector Plan to “make UK IP rights the best protected in the world, setting a gold enforcement standard in the UK, and internationally to protect rights owned by UK businesses”. Read more.
It also follows a call from UK Screen Investment Programme representatives for a UK-wide initiative to provide early-stage capital for indie studios to develop and retain IP. Read more.
Commenting on the announcement, Intellectual Property Office CEO Adam Williams said: “I am looking forward to working for Chris McDonald MP as the Minister with responsibility for intellectual property within the newly formed Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. IP is central to the UK’s creative and innovative strengths, helping people and businesses protect ideas, attract investment, and bring new products, services and content to market.”
