Having started his Specsavers career as its sole IP lawyer more than 10 years ago, Mr Douglass role has grown substantially over time. He now heads up the Group Brand and Marketing Legal support team, which works to protect the Specsavers brand and registered trademarks. 

"Being Guernsey-based, I’ve had quite a lot of involvement with the local IP scene, specifically in relation to commercial focus groups, and we were particularly active when it came to engaging on and helping shape the island’s Data Protection Law," he said. "These types of projects are massively useful when it comes to MARQUES and what is needed to chair the association.  

"We have many members, industry interests and direct interactions with sister organisations, as well as key European and international IP institutions, so experience of leading a diverse team, as well as local industry, legislative and executive interests, is all going to help me, I’m sure.  

"I’m really looking forward to flying the MARQUES flag in Guernsey, and I’m proud to have brought home such a prestigious seat in the IP world."

Pictured: (l-r) Alessandra Romeo – Marques External Relations Officer (Italy), Claudia Pappas – Head of IP Thyssenkrupp (Vice Chair – Marques) (Germany), Antony Douglass – Group legal Director Specsavers, Marques Chair (Guernsey), Ingrid De Groot (Marques Internal Relations Officer) (Netherlands), Dr Joachim Hoffmann – Lead Trademark Attorney Syngenta (Marques Immediate past chair) (Switzerland).