On Friday, more than 190 countries reached a landmark agreement on a patent treaty aimed at combating biopiracy, following over two decades of negotiations, the United Nations announced.
After nearly two weeks of intense discussions, the nations agreed to a groundbreaking treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge. This represents a historic milestone, culminating decades of negotiation, according to a United Nations statement.
“We’ve been waiting for this moment for 25 years,” said Brazilian Ambassador Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota, who chaired the negotiations, The World Intellectual Property Organization.
Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization have been convening in Geneva since May 13 to finalize these negotiations.
This treaty is the first of its kind within the organization to address intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge comprehensively. Notably, it includes specific provisions for indigenous peoples and local communities, marking a significant advancement.
“We are demonstrating that the intellectual property system can foster innovation while evolving to be more inclusive and meeting the needs of all countries and societies,” said WIPO Director-General Darren Tang.
The agreement mandates that patent applicants must disclose the sources of any genetic resources and traditional knowledge utilized in their inventions.
