41. The representative of Cuba associated her delegation with document IP/C/W/442. The document was explicit and developed the viewpoints of the competent authorities in Cuba with regard to the need to modify the TRIPS Agreement. The amendment was necessary to achieve a balance between patent holders worldwide and the holders of traditional knowledge associated to genetic resources. It was necessary to make patent rules compatible with the TRIPS Agreement and the CBD, based on multilateral reciprocity, so that the interests of both groups of holders were adequately balanced.
