WTO Members Discuss Ways to Conduct TRIPS Review, New WIPO Treaty
World Trade Organization members at the July 10 meeting of the Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights discussed "arrangements for reviewing implementation of the TRIPS Agreement," the WTO announced.
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Some member nations highlighted the need for a "thorough and structured review" of the deal, centered on "implementation, scope and effectiveness." Member nations also discussed the role of IP rights in gearing up for future pandemics, and the adoption in May of the World Intellectual Property Organization Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge. The treaty includes provisions for "indigenous peoples and local communities," including "a mandatory disclosure requirement for patent applicants whose inventions are based on genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge and the establishment of information systems, such as databases for research and patent examination."
The WIPO treaty, which has received 35 signatures, will enter force three months after 15 ratifications or accessions, the WTO said. WTO members voiced their support for the deal for its ability to "foster innovation" and promote "biodiversity conservation" while shielding traditional knowledge. The next TRIPS Council meeting is set for Nov. 6-7.