WIPO Diplomatic Conference on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge
WIPO’s new Treaty on genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge – a long-awaited and groundbreaking step towards combatting biopiracy
By Wend Wendland
WIPO’s new Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge responds to an over 25 years’ demand by developing countries to combat biopiracy. The Treaty is the first intellectual property treaty for which those countries were the proponents. While the Treaty’s adoption on May 24, 2024 was a momentous milestone in the evolution of the patent system, it is critical that the Treaty’s paradigm-shifting political and symbolic importance be matched by its practical effectiveness.
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Understanding the New WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge
By Nirmalya Syam and Carlos M. Correa
A new WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge was adopted on 24 May 2024. The treaty creates an international obligation for patent applicants to disclose the source or origin of genetic resources (GRs) and associated traditional knowledge (TK) in patent applications. This development marks a significant step towards mitigating the misappropriation of GRs and TK, particularly benefiting developing countries that have long advocated for such a framework. While the treaty establishes minimum standards for disclosure and sanctions, it permits contracting parties considerable flexibility in implementation and opens avenues for future expansion of its scope to address emerging technologies and derivative products.
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South Centre Statement to the WIPO Diplomatic Conference on a Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge
Geneva, 24 May 2024
We applaud the historic conclusion of a new WIPO treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge.
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STATEMENT
Diplomatic Conference on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge
Geneva, May 13-24, 2024
The South Centre at WIPO Diplomatic Conference urges strong improvements in Basic Proposal for IP and genetic resources treaty: clear minimum standards for patent disclosure, digital sequence information inclusion & WIPO website for monitoring claims. Searching consensus must not impede this vital treaty to incorporate effective measures against misappropriation.
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How can international law promote innovation on genetic resources and benefit sharing while recognizing the rights of traditional knowledge holders?
Co-organised by the South Centre and Vrije Universiteit Brussel
15 May 2024, 13 – 14:45
Geneva, Switzerland
Venue: WIPO, Room B (or via Zoom)
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The WIPO Diplomatic Conference for a Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge
By Viviana Muñoz Tellez
A new international legal instrument is set to be concluded under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in May 2024. Its legal nature should be that of an international treaty, given that a Diplomatic Conference, the last treaty making stage, will be held for its conclusion. The purpose of the instrument (hereinafter “the Treaty”) is to create an international minimum standard for patent applicants to provide information concerning the origin or source of the genetic resources or traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources as part of the patent application process. This Policy Brief provides an overview of the rationale for the Treaty and of the process and substantive issues to be negotiated, and advances recommendations towards ensuring a successful conclusion of the Diplomatic Conference.
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