57. The representative of Colombia said that her delegation supported an amendment of the TRIPS Agreement requiring patent applicants to disclose the origin of the genetic resources and provide evidence of prior informed consent and benefit-sharing so as to avoid bio-piracy at the international level. She supported document IP/C/W/429/Rev.1 that, while pointing out the shortcomings of the existing approach, recommended making it compulsory to disclose the source and country of origin of the genetic resources used in inventions. This would make it possible to identify whether the patent application corresponded to a true invention and not just a discovery by making the information available on genetic resources on a systematic basis. Her delegation was open-minded about discussing the best possible way of amending the TRIPS Agreement. She said that IP/C/W/438 could further contribute to better structuring discussions in the TRIPS Council and that her delegation would make further comments on it in the near future.
