Minutes - TRIPS Council - View details of the intervention/statement

Mr. Martin Glass (Hong Kong, China)
C; D; E REVIEW OF THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 27.3(b); RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TRIPS AGREEMENT AND THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY; PROTECTION OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND FOLKLORE
99. The representative of Norway said that there was no conflict between the TRIPS Agreement and the CBD as these two instruments were mutually supportive. However, the relationship between the TRIPS Agreement and the CBD would be enhanced by introducing a mandatory obligation in the TRIPS Agreement to disclose the origin of genetic resources and traditional knowledge in patent applications. Accordingly, her delegation had introduced a proposal of such an amendment in June 2006. This proposal would support the aims of the CBD as well as be useful in ensuring that patents would not be granted contrary to the fundamental principles of patent laws.
IP/C/M/63