U.N. Treaty on Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge

SOURCE www.foxnews.com
A new treaty by U.N. member countries aims to protect traditional knowledge about genetic resources from indigenous cultures. The agreement requires patent applicants to specify the origin of ideas used in their products. It will take effect as international law after 15 countries adopt it.

Key Points

  • First time agreement on patent protections for historic knowledge from indigenous cultures
  • Requires 15 countries to adopt before taking effect as international law
  • Does not allow intellectual property protection of natural or genetic resources themselves

Pros

  • Protects traditional knowledge from exploitation
  • Requires patent applicants to disclose origin of ideas used in products

Cons

  • Does not address compensation for indigenous communities
  • Not retroactive, only applies to future discoveries