📜Comments Requested on WIPO Treaty Impacting Businesses and Patents
Request for Comments and Testimony on the World Intellectual Property Organization Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge
Summary
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, requests input from all interested parties on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (hereinafter, "the Treaty") adopted by WIPO Member States in Geneva, Switzerland on May 24, 2024. In particular, the USPTO welcomes written comments, and will hold a hybrid hearing, on whether the United States should sign and implement the Treaty and any impacts of taking those actions. The text of the Treaty can be found on the WIPO website at: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/mdocs/tk/en/gratk_dc/ gratk_dc_7.pdf.
Agencies
- Commerce Department
- Patent and Trademark Office
Business Impact
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The request for comments on the WIPO Treaty may compel businesses to alter their patent application processes, especially around disclosure of genetic resources and traditional knowledge, which could incur additional compliance costs. The potential impact on U.S. patent law and international obligations raises concerns about innovation and market competitiveness.