Duncan Willson

Duncan Willson is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for China & Mongolia at the International Trade Administration (ITA) within the U.S. Department of Commerce. In this role, Mr. Willson is responsible for leading ITA’s efforts to develop policies and strategies to meet the multi-dimensional challenges posed by China in bilateral trade with the United States and across the globe, from addressing persistent market access barriers to shaping trade promotion activities that enhance U.S. economic security, support U.S. workers, and create market opportunities for U.S. companies in the region. He is supported by a team of over 100 professionals in seven offices across Mainland China, Hong Kong, and the United States.

Prior to assuming the role of Deputy Assistant Secretary, Mr. Willson served as Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) in Washington, DC, helping to develop and deploy Under Secretary initiatives across the agency. This followed a five-year tour at U.S. Embassy Beijing as an IP Counselor, where he advised U.S. government agencies on how China’s technology policies and practices threaten U.S. economic security, while counseling hundreds of U.S. individuals and businesses on how to assess and address IP-related risks unique to China.

Prior to his assignment in Beijing, Mr. Willson was detailed to the White House Office of the U.S. IP Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC), where he worked with the IPEC and White House officials to draft the technology components of strategic policies and trade-related matters, in addition to providing his expertise on Chinese laws, policies, and practices. Before his detail to the Office of the IPEC, Mr. Willson served as an Attorney Advisor in the USPTO’s Office of Policy and International Affairs, where he handled bilateral IP policy matters relating to China.

Prior to joining public service, Mr. Willson was a senior associate with the law firm of Baker & McKenzie in Beijing, China, where he provided advice on a wide range of IP and technology issues, including advising on IP protection and enforcement, licensing, and dispute resolution.

Mr. Willson received his law degree from the George Washington University Law School and holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Washington. He is a Seattle native and is licensed to practice law in California.