WIPO Adopts the Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge

The Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (“Treaty”) was adopted by the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (“WIPO”) during the final stage negotiations held between 13 - 24 May 2024.

The Treaty is the first WIPO Treaty to address intellectual property, genetic resources and traditional knowledge. It is also the first WIPO Treaty to include provisions for indigenous peoples and local communities.

According to the Treaty; if the invention claimed in a patent application is based on genetic resources, each contracting party shall require applicants to disclose the country of origin or source of the genetic resources.

Where the invention claimed in a patent application is based on traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, each contracting party shall require applicants to disclose the indigenous peoples or local community that provided the traditional knowledge.

The full text of the Treaty is available here.

The announcement published by WIPO is available here.

Kind regards,

Zumbul Attorneys-at-Law

info@zumbul.av.tr