Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore

By E.C.V. & ASOCIADOS

Venezuela promoted local and traditional knowledge such as art, indigenous medicine, coffee and cocoa production during the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC).

The Committee undertakes text-based negotiations to finalize an agreement on an international legal instrument(s) for the protection of traditional knowledge (TK), traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) and genetic resources (Grs). It resumed its negotiations in a hybrid format after a pause of two years caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and concluded a week-long session on March 4, 2022.

This was the 42nd session of the Committee. It was the first session under the new mandate for 2022-2023 and it addressed genetic resources. Around 200 delegates attended the meeting physically and over 200 delegates attended virtually.

Agreed international outcomes flowing from the IGC’s negotiations would bring several additional benefits. Some are political. Positive outcomes could:

1. demonstrate that the IP system is flexible and benefits a broad range of interests;
2. respond to long-standing calls from developing countries for greater equity and balance in the IP system;
3. inspire fresh confidence in multilateralism, and
4. strengthen the IP system’s contribution to sustainable development, thereby bolstering perceptions of its legitimacy in all regions.

Other benefits concern economic and cultural development. Indigenous peoples and local communities would be able to benefit from third-party use of their TK and TCEs. This would empower them, if they wish to generate income on their own terms, become stakeholders in the IP ecosystem and participate in global markets.