A group of developing countries have proposed taking into account disclosure of origin of genetic resources and other biodiversity-related issues in discussions on patent law.

The suggestion was made at an informal meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Standing Committee on the Law of Patents, held from 10-12 April 2006, in Geneva, Switzerland. During the meeting, a group of developing countries suggested that discussions on the draft Substantive Law Patent Treaty, aiming to standardize and harmonize global patent rules, should take into account disclosure of origin of genetic resources and other biodiversity-related issues, including prior informed consent, benefit-sharing and exemptions from patentability. Furthermore, India proposed that the Committee hold joint meetings with the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore. Member States concluded that it was premature to establish a work programme for the Committee at this stage, and decided to refer the matter to the WIPO General Assembly meeting in September 2006.
Links to further information
ICTSD Bridges Trade BioRes vol.6, no.7, 14 April 2006
IP Watch, 10 April 2006
IP Watch, 11 April 2006
WIPO press release, 13 April 2006