CPA Delegation Attend WIPO Diplomatic Conference on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge

On 13-24 May 2024, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Diplomatic Conference on the Conclusion on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge was held in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference led to the signature of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge ("the Treaty").

China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), as a WIPO observer, was represented at the conference by our firm China Patent Agent (H.K.) Ltd. (CPA)'s deputy general manager Mr. Xiong Yanfeng and Legal Affairs Department deputy manager Mr. Ke Ke.

The Treaty, concluded after 25 years of negotiations, contains disclosure requirements, sanctions and remedies for genetic resources and related traditional knowledge in the patent application process. It helps establish and coordinate the mechanism for countries to make mandatory disclosure of genetic resources and related traditional knowledge in the field of patents, to thereby enhance the efficacy, transparency and quality of the patent system.