86. The representative of Canada noted the work undertaken on IP and genetic resources and traditional knowledge at the multilateral level, in particular in the context of the IGC, which she considered as the best forum for technical discussions on IP related to genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore. She welcomed the progress made at the 20th session of the IGC on genetic resources in February 2012, and notably the fact that, in the spirit of the renewed mandate that called for accelerated work, it now had a consolidated text on genetic resources similar to the texts on traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expression. During the session, Canada, Japan, Norway, Korea and the United States had submitted a joint recommendation on genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. The intent of the joint recommendation was to identify the basic elements on which IGC participants were in agreement and help move the consolidated text forward. In addition, she acknowledged the progress made in reducing the options and further streamlining the text on traditional knowledge at the IGC meeting of April 2012.
87. She looked forward to hearing more about Indonesia’s symposium on databases. She considered that the focus on greater access for IP offices to digital libraries of genetic resources and traditional knowledge had proved to be a practical way of protecting genetic resources and traditional knowledge within the patent system. Having greater database access helped examiners in determining what constituted genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
