• Contact
  • Jobs
Saturday, June 14, 2025
  • Login
No Result
View All Result
Diplomatic Watch
  • About Us
    • Editorial
    • Opinion
    • Interview
    • Contact
  • Diplomacy
    • Appointments
  • Economy
  • Regions
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Oceania
  • Business
  • Politics & Policy
  • Opinion
  • Events
  • News Update
    • Fashion & Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Sports
    • Technology
  • About Us
    • Editorial
    • Opinion
    • Interview
    • Contact
  • Diplomacy
    • Appointments
  • Economy
  • Regions
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Oceania
  • Business
  • Politics & Policy
  • Opinion
  • Events
  • News Update
    • Fashion & Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Sports
    • Technology
No Result
View All Result
Diplomatic Watch
No Result
View All Result
Home Diplomacy

UN Aims to End Biopiracy with New Treaty

Menkiti Onyebuchi Bernie by Menkiti Onyebuchi Bernie
May 13, 2024
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
A cross section of 1,200 delegates deliberating on the treaty on genetic related matters and intellectual property. Credit: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) / X

A cross section of 1,200 delegates deliberating on the treaty on genetic related matters and intellectual property. Credit: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) / X

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Talks are underway in Geneva for a groundbreaking United Nations treaty that tackles biopiracy. This international agreement seeks to stop the unfair exploitation of genetic resources and the traditional knowledge surrounding them, particularly in developing nations.

The negotiations, led by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), have been ongoing for over two decades. The goal is to establish a system that fosters transparency within the patent system and protects this valuable knowledge from misuse.

ALSO READ

US and China Establish Trade Framework After London Talks

US and China Establish Trade Framework After London Talks

June 11, 2025
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and his Bulgarian counterpart President Rumen Radev issued a joint press statement on June 9 in Astana. Credit: Aqorda Telegram channel/Astana Times

Kazakhstan, Bulgaria Deepen Ties During Presidential Visit in Astana

June 11, 2025

A central point of contention is disclosure. The draft treaty proposes requiring patent applicants to reveal the source of genetic resources used in their inventions. This includes identifying the country of origin and any indigenous communities that provided traditional knowledge.

While natural genetic resources themselves, like those found in plants and animals, cannot be directly patented, inventions derived from them can. This is why many developing countries are concerned. They fear patents are being granted on discoveries that either disregard the rights of indigenous people or simply replicate existing knowledge.

The current system allows for patents to be granted without disclosing their origins. This lack of transparency is what the treaty aims to address. Proponents argue that requiring disclosure will not only protect traditional knowledge but also enhance legal certainty and overall efficiency within the patent system.

Opponents, however, express concerns that the treaty might hinder innovation. However, WIPO Director General Daren Tang emphasizes that there’s no inherent conflict between fostering innovation and respecting the needs of local communities.

The discussions are complex, with disagreements persisting on issues like sanctions for violations and conditions for revoking patents. Interestingly, over 30 countries already have some form of disclosure requirement in their national patent laws. These include major economies like China, Brazil, and India, alongside European nations like France, Germany, and Switzerland. However, these requirements vary and are often not mandatory.

As negotiations progressed, a key message emerged: a need to move beyond a simplistic North vs. South divide. As one diplomat pointed out, some developed nations, like Australia, have rich genetic resources, while some developing countries, like India, have robust research institutions that utilize these resources. The goal is to establish a fair and balanced system that protects developing nations’ resources and knowledge while fostering global innovation. 

ADVERTISEMENT
Tags: BiopiracyUNWIPO
Menkiti Onyebuchi Bernie

Menkiti Onyebuchi Bernie

Editor

Related Posts

US and China Establish Trade Framework After London Talks
Diplomacy

US and China Establish Trade Framework After London Talks

June 11, 2025
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and his Bulgarian counterpart President Rumen Radev issued a joint press statement on June 9 in Astana. Credit: Aqorda Telegram channel/Astana Times
Diplomacy

Kazakhstan, Bulgaria Deepen Ties During Presidential Visit in Astana

June 11, 2025

Women In Diplomacy Event

Diplomatic Watch Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsPKAllVewE

Subscribe To Newsletter

Young Diplomats Forum

Young Diplomats Forum
ADVERTISEMENT

About us

Diplomatic Watch Magazine is a premium publication that covers news, analysis, and opinion on global diplomacy, international relations, and foreign policy.

Category

  • Business & Investment (134)
  • Culture & Tourism (133)
  • Diplomacy (1,089)
    • Appointments (35)
  • Economy (93)
  • Editorial (3)
  • Events (201)
  • Interview (55)
  • News Update (309)
    • Fashion & Lifestyle (15)
      • Look Your Best With Jane Pennewell (7)
    • Health (12)
    • Sports (21)
    • Technology (54)
  • Opinion (45)
  • Photo Gallery (10)
  • Politics & Policy (85)
  • Regions (254)
    • Africa (51)
    • Americas (56)
    • Asia (93)
    • Europe (85)
    • Middle East (28)
    • Oceania (23)

Contact Us

Diplomatic Watch HQ

  • – 1218 16th St NW, (5th Floor) Washington, DC 20036, USA
  • – Maryland
  • – Lagos
  • – Abuja

Contact Information

  • Tel: +12407979135
  • Email: info@diplomaticwatch.com
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Contact

© 2024 Diplomatic Watch Magazine - All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • About Us
    • Editorial
    • Opinion
    • Interview
    • Contact
  • Diplomacy
    • Appointments
  • Economy
  • Regions
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Oceania
  • Business
  • Politics & Policy
  • Opinion
  • Events
  • News Update
    • Fashion & Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Sports
    • Technology