The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Hosts Diplomatic Conference on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge

From May 13–24, 2024, delegates from WIPO member states gathered at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva for the final stage of negotiations on a proposed treaty concerning intellectual property, genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge.

Nurgul Sihayeva, Director of the Science Department at JSC “National Holding QazBioPharm,” is participating in the conference.

More than 1,200 delegates, observers, and other stakeholders from around the world have registered to participate in this Diplomatic Conference, which marks the conclusion of years of negotiations among WIPO member states.

What Are Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge?

Genetic resources can be found, for example, in medicinal plants, agricultural crops, and animal breeds. While genetic resources themselves are not subject to intellectual property protection, inventions derived from them can often be protected, typically through patents.