The World Intellectual Property Organization’s General Assembly has extended the mandate of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore for two years.
Meeting from 26 September to 5 October 2005 in Geneva, Switzerland, WIPO’s General Assembly agreed to continue accelerated work on intellectual property and traditional knowledge, genetic resources and folklore with a focus on the international dimension.

The renewed mandate excludes no outcome, including the possible development of an international instrument or instruments in the field. The Assembly also agreed to establish a voluntary fund for indigenous and local communities to support participation of their representatives in the work of the Intergovernmental Committee. Among other highlights, member states also decided to continue efforts to enhance the development dimension in WIPO’s work by establishing a provisional committee to accelerate and complete discussions on related proposals. They also agreed on a work plan for talks on the draft Substantive Patent Law Treaty, aiming to achieve greater convergence among national and regional patent laws and practices.
Links to further information
WIPO Assemblies Conclude, WIPO press release, 5 October 2005
WIPO’s Future Work, Past Credibility on Table at General Assemblies, IP Watch, 26 September 2005
WIPO Negotiators Seek Final Agreement on Key Issues at General Assembly, IP Watch, 1 October 2005
New Committee for WIPO Development Agenda; Patents Reinvigorated, IP Watch, 3 October 2005
WIPO Members Create New Forum to Discuss Development Agenda, BRIDGES Weekly Trade News Digest, 5 October 2005
WIPO to Continue Work on Genetic Resources, TK, BRIDGES Trade BioRes, 14 October 2005
Global Intellectual Property Body Looks South, SciDev.Net, 12 October 2005