Draft for IP, GR Traditional Knowledge and Folklore

Latest Context

• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released draft for Intellectual Property (IP), Genetic Resources (GR), Traditional Knowledge and Folklore.

About the draft

• Aim: 1) To enhance efficacy, transparency, and quality of the patent system with regard to GR.

• It is mandatory for patent applicants to declare their use of GR and any associated traditional knowledge.

2) Prevents granting of patents for inventions that are not novel.

• Traditional knowledge associated with Genetic Resources (TKGR) is a pool of evolving, collective knowledge held by indigenous people and communities about genetic resources that are passed down through generations.

Significance of TKGR

• Preserves the spiritual identity of indigenous people, forms the basis of modern inventions, preserves the GR in a sustainable manner, contributes to food security, etc.

Challenges with TKGR

Initiative for TKGR

• Convention on biological diversity the Nagoya protocol, International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for food and agriculture (to reuse propagating material from the previous season), etc.
• Biological diversity act of India for fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of biological resources.
• Traditional knowledge digital library to prevent exploitation and to protect Indian traditional knowledge at patent offices worldwide.

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