NON-UQ – WORLD PATENT SYSTEM is happening now on genes

​Geneva, Switzerland - After 11 days of intensive negotiations, the International Diplomatic Conference at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland has agreed on and adopted the International Treaty on the Protection of Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge (24/5).

The final round of negotiations, which were attended by 193 WIPO member states and representatives of Indigenous People and Local Communities, lasted until early Friday, finally agreeing on a new international law in transparency and protection of the global patent system.

With this treaty, Indonesia and countries that own intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge will gain several important benefits such as:

First, transparency. The global patent system will experience increased transparency with the obligation of each country to disclose patents globally.

Second, the enactment of sanctions mechanisms. Protection of genetic resources and traditional knowledge will be enhanced through the imposition of adequate sanctions.

Third, the creation of global standards. The treaty will promote standardization and harmonization of global regulations.

Fourth, protection of local wisdom. The treaty opens up opportunities to advance other issues related to traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expression.

Immediately after, the Final Act will be signed as a meeting report that forms the basis for the next steps for the finalization of the planned Agreement in the form of signing at the WIPO General Assembly in Geneva, July 2024.

In closing remarks representing more than ​ 60 like-minded countries, the Chargé d'Affaires Ad Interim of the Indonesian Permanent Mission in Geneva, Ambassador Achsanul Habib, delivered a statement affirming that this Agreement is a victory for all parties, and a strong signal that multilateralism needs to continue to be advanced.​

Meanwhile, in his statement, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations, WTO and Other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Febrian Ruddyard emphasized that this success could not be separated from Indonesia's important role in the negotiation process as coordinator of the group of like-minded countries (LMCs) during 24 years of negotiations on the protection of genetic resources protection and traditional knowledge which are closely related to Indonesia's interests, including for indigenous peoples in the country.