81. The representative of Korea said that there was little possibility of conflict between the TRIPS Agreement and the CBD and that these two instruments could be implemented in a mutually supportive manner. While recognizing the importance of preventing biopiracy and misappropriation of genetic resources, his delegation thought that introducing a new requirement into the TRIPS Agreement was not an appropriate solution. He said that case studies would help to identify problems Members faced and to reduce gaps in Members' understanding of this issue. Therefore, his delegation would continue to engage in fact-based discussion on this issue. Regarding the protection of traditional knowledge and folklore, he said that it would be desirable to follow up the discussion in the WIPO IGC in order to avoid duplication. It was also preferable to establish databases on traditional knowledge as suggested by Japan.
