On 24 May 2024, at WIPO headquarters in Geneva, the Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK) is adopted and opened for signature.

It is the first WIPO treaty linking the patent system to genetic resources and traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, after more than two decades of Intergovernmental Committee negotiations.

Core: a disclosure requirement for patent applicants whose inventions are based on genetic resources or associated traditional knowledge, meant to curb biopiracy and support access and benefit-sharing.

The Diplomatic Conference (13–24 May 2024) drew about 1,200 participants from 176 countries. At the closing, 30 states signed immediately; over the one-year signature window the number rose above 40.

Entry into force: three months after 15 ratifications or accessions. Industry critics and some developed states challenge the disclosure burden; developing countries and the Indigenous Caucus welcomed the text.

The official text is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.

The GRATK Treaty of 24 May 2024 remains the first WIPO instrument devoted to the patents–biodiversity–traditional knowledge interface.

Image: WIPO Geneva; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge. Treaty text: WIPO Treaty on IP, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge.